Cruz, Huckabee criticize Israel for blocking Latin patriarch on Palm Sunday

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Sen. Ted Cruz joined world leaders in criticizing Israeli police for preventing the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Palm Sunday services. The Latin Patriarchate issued a statement denouncing the blockage, an unusual rebuke from two prominent American officials known as staunch Israel supporters. The incident occurred at one of Christianity's holiest sites during a major religious observance, drawing attention to tensions between Israeli security measures and religious access to sacred locations. The criticism from Huckabee and Cruz—who typically defend Israeli government decisions—signals frustration with how authorities handled the situation. The episode underscores ongoing friction between Israeli authorities and Christian leaders over access to religious sites in Jerusalem.