Shas reportedly to soften proposed clampdown on non-Orthodox prayer at Western Wall

A senior Shas source tells Israeli television outlets that the Haredi party will soften a proposal to impose sweeping restrictions on non-Orthodox worship at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, following intense criticism of the bill.

The source is quoted by Channel 12 news as saying the proposed penalties of a six-month prison stint or NIS 10,000 ($2,900) will be removed from the bill filed by MK Uriel Buso. The source also blames the High Court of Justice, attributing the hasty rollout to the court’s refusal to put off an upcoming hearing on a petition demanding the justices formally recognize the egalitarian section or allow mixed-gender prayer at the main plaza.