Borders of the Land of Israel - Mitzpe Ramon
Question
Is Mitzpe Ramon considered part of the Land of Israel according to all opinions? Is it permissible to go there for a trip? I would like to know who holds that it is the Land of Israel and who holds that it is abroad. Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom and blessings
There is a dispute among the poskim regarding the location of the southern border of the Land of Israel. As a result of this dispute, the poskim are divided on whether Mitzpe Ramon is within the territory of the Land of Israel.
The opinion of Baal Tevuot Haaretz is that Mitzpe Ramon is abroad. The opinion of Admat Kodesh is that Mitzpe Ramon is in the Land of Israel.
The Gaon, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, in his book Derech Emunah (Terumot, Chapter 1) wrote that the area of Mitzpe Ramon is abroad.
This affects many commandments, such as the obligation of the sabbatical year, tithes, and offerings in this area.
However, regarding your main question, the opinion of our teacher, the Gaon, Rabbi Amram Fried, shlita, is that it is permissible to go to this area for a trip. Since the main issue of going abroad concerns staying there in a semi-permanent manner, but going for a trip with immediate return to the country is permitted.