Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has reportedly agreed to meet with chief rabbis on the question of al-Haram al-Sharif, reported the Jerusalem Post newspaper, adding that he will explain the government's decision to only have sovereignty over the Western Wall and the area below the mosques in the disputed area.
According to the paper, the rabbis said that they must be consulted on an issue that is the most vital to the Jewish people.
In the meantime, Haaretz newspaper reported that Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef accused Barak of trying to reach a quick agreement with the Palestinians in an effort to boost his electoral hopes ahead of the scheduled February 6 prime-ministerial poll.
Yosef has ordered the party to join the battle against any Israeli concessions regarding al-Haram al-Sharif.
American bridging proposals call for Israel to relinquish the sacred site to the Palestinians.
Yosef's remarks, say party activists, are a clear indication that Shas will support Likud leader Ariel Sharon in the upcoming election, according to Haaretz -- Albawaba.com
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