Netanyahu says he’ll keep working for Western Wall compromise

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizes Haredi protesters at the Western Wall today and promises to keep seeking a compromise agreement that will allow “all Jews to feel at home at the Western Wall.”

An English-language statement read: “As I have said many times before, the unity of the Jewish people is a source of our strength and one of the values closest to my heart. As we continue to work towards a solution that will allow all Jews to feel at home at the Western Wall, there are those who would prefer to divide our people and even to say that other Jews are wicked or aren’t Jews at all. We all must unequivocally reject these inappropriate words and deeds, which run counter to the basic spirit of the State of Israel.”

Video footage from an egalitarian prayer rally at the holy site today showed a handful of Haredi protesters shouting and whistling to drown out the worshipers, as well as occasional shoving and shouts from some observers that the Reform and Conservative Jews gathered at the site “aren’t Jews.”

A Hebrew-language statement has not been issued.