PD bars Jerusalem officials from inspecting Temple Mount

(IsraelWire-6/15) Following recent reports of unprecedented destruction to archaeological artifacts on Jerusalem?s Temple Mount by the Moslem Wakf Authority, officials of the Jerusalem Municipality decided to take a first-hand look at the construction site.

Jerusalem police prevented Jerusalem official Israel Ben-Ari from inspecting the site of Solomon?s Stables, explaining that he and his team failed to coordinate their visit with the police as required. Police have not taken any steps however to stop the ongoing illegal construction which is being undertaken by the Wakf in conjunction with the Israel Islamic Association. Police also report that the two structures that were to have been inspected by Ben-Ari are temporary, and the Wakf is planning to tear them down following completion of the construction of another mosque in the Solomon?s Stables area.

The action by police comes at a time when complaints have been filed by over 80 members of Knesset as well as tens of prominent Israelis, including former politicians, members of the judicial community, antiquities community and academia, crossing all political party lines.

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert complained over the turning a blind eye by government officials, over what he called, ?The systematic destruction of archeological artifacts by the Wakf.?

Olmert stated the well-calculated effort by the Wakf and the IIA is intended to eradicate any trace of the Jewish significance of the Mount, so in the future, the Wakf may reject any and all claims to the Mount by Israel and the Jewish People. Olmert told Israel Radio on Thursday that he is unable to explain the government?s willingness to turn a blind eye to the destruction to Judaism?s holiest site.

A Justice Ministry officials responded by explaining the Temple Mount issue required delicate handling to avoid Islamic violence. Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Haim Ramon responded by calling Olmert?s statements ?chutzpa and insolence?.