Israeli security forces are working on a plan to enable worship at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Holy Week after police prevented the Latin Patriarch from holding Mass there on Palm Sunday, citing security concerns.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and European Union diplomat Kaja Kallas criticized the Israeli police action, calling it a 'violation of religious freedom.'
The Latin Patriarchate said police stopped the Patriarch and another church leader on their way to celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified.
Israeli police said the Patriarch's request was reviewed and could not be approved due to security concerns, but Netanyahu's office said they are working on a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site in the coming days.
