Islamic Waqf Nearly Damages Western Wall

Written by Joshua B. Dermer/TPS on June 01, 2016

The Jerusalem Municipality issued an order to stop work on a Temple Mount restroom construction project on Tuesday. The project was found to be lacking the necessary permits for construction on an archaeological site.

The Waqf, a religious group in charge of Haram esh-Sharif and the surrounding area (known to Jews as the Temple Mount), sought to build a structure that would contain restrooms in anticipation of the influx of visitors expected over the upcoming holiday month of Ramadan.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) filed suit against the Waqf over the construction plans last week. According to the IAA’s complaint, the Waqf’s plans included breaking through one of the Temple Mount’s walls.

The Jerusalem Municipality issued the order to halt construction plans after an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the IAA, the Waqf’s construction project endangers ancient artifacts on archaeological grounds.

Israel has permitted the Waqf to maintain responsibility over the Temple Mount since the Six Day War in 1967. King Abdullah II of Jordan funds the group’s civil administration.

At a special Knesset meeting honoring Yom Yerushalayim, Prime Minister Netanyahu attributed the relative calm on the Temple Mount area to cooperation between neighboring countries.

He commented on the everlasting ties between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, looking onward to the future possibility of successful coexistence.

“Jerusalem is a mixed city with a complex fabric of life. Coexistence is not perfect or idyllic, but it still exists,” Netanyahu said. “Jerusalem deserves quiet. We cannot let anyone spark extremism.”