The High Court of Justice ordered the state Thursday to explain why it nixed a cabinet-approved plan to create an area for pluralistic worship at the Western Wall.

In the hearing, the justices leveled harsh criticism at the government for backtracking on a landmark deal that would guarantee non-Orthodox Jews free access to the Jerusalem holy site, saying any changes needed to made via government mechanisms.

“You conducted negotiations, you reached an agreement for an outline – but then during the legal proceedings, you made a fuss and said ‘it’s being frozen,’” Chief Justice Miriam Naor told state attorneys.

“You must explain why you have backtracked on the approved agreement,” Justice Hanan Meltzer added.

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