Rabbi Steve Wernick, CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, told JTA that provisions such as the shared entryway are “essential” to the deal.

“We expressed our deep concerns, and deep frustration and disappointment, with the ongoing delays with the implementation process,” Wernick told JTA. “The very fact that we have an agreement is a step forward. There’s no going back from that agreement.”

Netanyahu, according to Wernick, pledged to update the non-Orthodox delegation within three weeks regarding proposed changes to the deal. Despite the delays, Wernick said he believes the prime minister remains committed to the compromise.

“Until it’s done, it’s not done,” the United Synagogue leader said. “I can’t for the life of me imagine that the prime minister would expend so much energy, and the goodwill of his office, to engage the Diaspora community in a 3 1/2-year process, and bring it to a vote, if he wasn’t sincere. I would be profoundly disappointed and disillusioned if that turned out to be the case.” […]

“We categorically reject the banishment of women’s group prayer from the Kotel, which is an intrinsic part of the deal,” the group, Original Women of the Wall, said in a statement issued ahead of the meeting. “We will never abide by it.”