The Palestinian Authority has stepped up its fight against Breslov Hassidim's attempts to access Joseph's Tomb in Nablus without permission, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Thursday.
Breslovers often try to enter the compound at night, sans authorization or coordination with the IDF and the Palestinian security forces.
Such past incidents have caused clashes between the hassidim and Palestinian troops, with one tragic clash ending in the death of Breslover Ben-Yosef Livnat.
To prevent the hassidim from infiltrating the tomb, the Palestinian Authority has stationed cameras on the road leading up to the compound, as well as inside it.
A fence has been erected around the compound and bars have been installed on all windows.
So far, the measures have proven effective: "We had to turn back, we had no choice, we didn’t want to get caught," a Breslover told the newspaper.
In an attempt to reach a peaceful compromise, the Breslovers distributed Arabic and Hebrew flyers in the area, reading: "To the Palestinian security forces: In the name of God almighty, to whom we all pray, we come in peace to pray at the holy tomb of Joseph the righteous.
"We do not seek war and we do not seek to provoke you. We respect you and have nothing against you. We ask that you allow us to pray here in a safe and free manner."
Hassidic Rabbi Binyamin Machlev added: "We want to prove that you cannot stop our devotion to Joseph."
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