Story perspectives

U.S. Ambassador Critiques Israel’s Palm Sunday Restrictions on Clergy

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee criticized Israel's decision to bar Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and three priests from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, describing it as an unfortunate overreach.
He noted the group stayed under the 50-person limit set by Home Front Command guidelines.
He said similar restrictions apply to synagogues and mosques in Jerusalem.
Israel will work with the Patriarch to ensure safe Holy Week activities.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee criticized Israel's decision to bar Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and three priests from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, describing it as an unfortunate overreach.
He noted the group stayed under the 50-person limit set by Home Front Command guidelines.
He said similar restrictions apply to synagogues and mosques in Jerusalem.
Israel will work with the Patriarch to ensure safe Holy Week activities.