The Tomb of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs in Hebron may be getting a new roof after approval was made by outgoing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

“The decision to roof the Tomb of Machpela is significant news for all Israelis and for the residents of Kiryat Arba and Hebron, and for the hundreds of thousands who visit the graves of their forefathers and mothers throughout the year,” stated Yisrael Bramson, head of the Kiryat Arba council.

The 2,000-year-old structure built by King Herod the Great to house the Cave of Machpela was originally built without a roof. The site contains the burial chambers of the Biblical Patriarchs and Matriarchs.

It is divided into a Muslim and Jewish section. The Hall of Isaac and Rebecca serves as the Muslim section and has been roofed since the Crusader period when it served as a church.

The Jewish side is unroofed, although in modern times, attempts have been made to create temporary tarps and canopies to protect against sun and rain. Because the site has shared jurisdiction by both the Israeli authorities and the Muslim Waqf, any renovations must go through an arduous process. In 2011, rain caused the tarp to collapse. Now approval has been made for the creation of a permanent roof over the Jewish section.

Bramson added, “after much effort, we are excited to see this important cause progressing. We thank you, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for your understanding and for acting on such a significant and important goal. I will continue to work together with our partners in the Hebron local council, headed by Eyal Gelman and the Religious Council of the Tomb of Machpela headed by Amitai Cohen to develop our connection to our heritage.”