Report: Israeli decree calls on Wakf to end 'damaging' Temple Mount construction

Edict reportedly cites IAA warnings that the Wakf's building activities and structures along the perimeter wall of the contested holy compound are destructive.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JUNE 2, 2016 10:14
Jerusalem's Old City and the Temple Mount (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Jerusalem's Old City and the Temple Mount
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
An Israeli government order issued Tuesday called on the Wakf trust that oversees Islamic holy sites to halt construction work on the Temple Mount that is damaging valuable ancient artifacts found in the area, Israel Radio reported Wednesday.
According to the report, the decree cites Israel Antiquities Authority warnings that the Wakf's building structures and activities along the perimeter wall of the contested holy compound are destructive.
The Jerusalem Municipality issued the order that the Prime Minister's Office approved in an emergency meeting.
The Israel Radio report also cited the lawyer representing a group of Jewish residents seeking a building license in the predominantly Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan as complaining that the edict against the Wakf would invalidate their permit.
A discussion on the matter was reported expected to take place in the coming days.