Wakf continues Illegal digging causing irreparable damage on Temple Mount

(IsraelWire-6/12) The Moslem Wakf Authority has once again resumed its negligent digging on Jerusalem?s Temple Mount, which in the recent past has caused significant damage to the archaeological integrity of the site. Wakf digging has caused more damage than any other act since the destruction of the Second Temple according to officials of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

Continuing without any regard for the historic and holy significance of the site, tractors are being deployed in the area of the northern arches of the Solomon?s Stables. Experts have already reported that the earth removed by heavy equipment in the past has done irreparable damage to the site, the holiest area to the Jewish people. In addition, Moslem officials have raped the uncovered earth of major archaeological finds, dumped the remainder in the Kishon area, then filing complaints when Jewish archeologists attempted to sift through the remains in the hope of salvaging what may remain of the site?s historic and religious significance.

The government has turned a blind eye to the loud protests of Temple Mount activists as well as senior officials in the IAA, opting to permit the illegal work to continue to avoid an Islamic confrontation or widespread violence. The nation?s High Court took the same position, choosing not to involve itself, rejecting petitions aimed at stopping the illegal construction.

Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Haim Ramon visited the construction site over the weekend, accompanied by Commander Yair Yitzhaki, who heads the Jerusalem District, Amir Drori, who heads the IAA and legal officials. Ramon reportedly warned Wakf officials that they may not cross the ?red lines? which will not be tolerated regarding the construction without prior coordination with the IAA as required by law.

Among the persons scheduled to meet with Ramon, signatories of a letter to the government pointing out the damage to the holy site caused by the Wakf are Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, former Mayor Teddy Kollek, and 82 members of Knesset from all political walks of life.