Netanyahu claims “no ill intent” after blocking Latin Patriarch from church entry

The office of 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident in which police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

In a statement, the office said that “Iran has repeatedly attacked the holy sites of the three monotheistic religions in Jerusalem,” stressing that there was “no malicious intent whatsoever,” and that the measure was taken solely out of concern for the patriarch’s safety.

The statement added that 'Israeli' security forces are preparing a plan that would allow church leaders to access the site and perform prayers in the coming days.

- Closure of Holy Sites -

As of today, March 29, 2026, both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been closed to the public for 30 consecutive days.

The sites were officially shuttered on February 28, 2026, following a major regional escalation, when 'Israel' and the US attacked Iran.

Key Details of the Closure

• Total Duration: 30 days (and counting).
• Current Status: Both sites remain closed under an official "state of emergency."
• Expected Reopening: 'Israeli' authorities recently extended the closure until at least April 15, 2026, though this remains subject to the security situation.

Impact on Major Religious Events

The timing of this closure has been unprecedented, as it has directly disrupted the holiest periods for both Muslims and Christians:

•  For Muslims: Al-Aqsa was closed for nearly the entire month of Ramadan. For the first time since 1967, worshippers were barred from the mosque for Eid al-Fitr prayers (March 20), forcing thousands to pray in the streets outside the Old City walls.
•  For Christians: Today is Palm Sunday, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains inaccessible. In a rare historical event, even the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was reportedly denied entry to the church for scheduled services today.
• Wider Restrictions: The closure isn't limited to these two sites; the entire Old City is under a tight security cordon, and the Western Wall plaza has also seen attendance restricted to fewer than 50 people.

Reasons Cited

The 'Israeli' Home Front Command and police have justified the measures by claiming:

• Safety Risks: The threat of missile fire and a lack of adequate bomb shelters for large crowds within the ancient Old City.
• Security Measures: Preventing large-scale gatherings that could lead to further unrest during the ongoing military conflict.

Religious leaders from the Islamic Waqf and the Christian Patriarchates have condemned the move, describing it as a "siege" and a violation of the long-standing status quo governing Jerusalem's holy sites.