Netanyahu risks Muslim wrath over Jerusalem holy site

I hate to tell you this, but this will not be stopped indefinitely. It will go on, for it is Gods desire. Yes there will be war, but that too has been foretold. Don't live with your head in the sand or in denialism. These things must and will come. Be prepared and live in hope that you will see all these things happen -and survive them.

Why is disturbing the peace and the muslim world so important that you are willing to risk all to offend. The temple mount is just a place a rock not God's sanctary. God cannot be contained by a rock or a man. Are we foolish enough to belive that God requires human hands and human involvement to restore a place that is his. Get prepared for his power and his plan to come again to his people.

Pre 48 the arabs murdered Jews in 48 combined arab armies tried to push the jews into the sea.Are you so naive to think that ceding a tiny plot of land will make one iota of a difference.Face facts there will never be peace between Jews and arabs as the Arabs want the whole of the middle east without Jews Christians Hindus Bahai etc.As a wise woman once said when the arabs love their children as much as they hate us we will have peace.

Penalty for writing books drawing cartoons etc about a certain religion fatwas calling for death.Who overreacts?

Did God tell you? Well, well, well...

Muslims blow up other people's holy sites. This is number three to the Muslims. They should be happy with numbers one and two and let the Jews have their Number #1 Holy Site with impunity. That would be the right thing to do. Astonishing as that may sound. Remember, the Muslims even turned the Parthenon into a Mosque, but when the Muslims were push back out of Rome, the mosque's days were over. Only the Jews go on welcoming Muslims. And in return, what do they get? Endless crap.

Everyone read this article about Yehousa Shenhav. You will see how radical he is. It figures Eldar another radical quotes him. http://97.74.65.51/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=5063

Eldar himself admits he wont ever criticize Arab terrorism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akiva_Eldar Nahum Barnea, winner of the Israel Prize, formulated the "Lynch test", which tests the consistency of Israeli journalists.[2] According to Barnea, Eldar did not criticize Arab terrorism, thus failing the lynch test. Eldat, responded in an article, that he "is guilty as charged."[2] Eldar wrote that "he is on a mission" and cannot write about the Israeli-Arab conflict in an objective and neutral manner.[2] In a response op-ed, Calev Ben-David wrote that if Eldar is not empathetic of the Israelis' concerns, he will do little "to advance the Palestinian cause, as he merely preaches to the converted and makes his own conscience feel cleaner in the process."[3]

What heritage are you talking about Gilad144 ? The heritage of the Israeli people is 62 years old, and until 1967, when we took over the west bank, the Golan, and the Gaza strip, Israeli people were happy,and in Peace. Since 1967, we suddenly need to keep all these areas we never had before because the religious parties in our government hold that government hostage, threatening to leave so the government will fall. We should make Jerusalem an International city, set strict rules about the Golan hights, Gaza we have already give back, now get rid of the west bank and make PEACE once and for all. Israel used to be the one who wanted peace always, not any longer, building in the west bank? since when was this ours to take and keep? The bible was written who knows when, and we lived since 1948 with out the west bank, and east Jerusalem, we will live much better, and happier if Jerusalem (the old city) is International, and the west bank is Palestine, and we are Israel, what we use to be

Why must Israel always make the concession? Why can't Israel safeguard its heritage. The wafk trashed tons of archelogical treasures and undermined the Temple Mount where was the outcry. why must their intransigence be rewarded. As far as Turkey Ergodan totally dissed Peres at Davos Turkey had already turned on the US, remember the refusal to allow overflights let alone troop staging in the war against saddam. The turkish gov't has been working towards sharia statehood and has been anti west, though the eu may deserve it. Israel has the right to preserve its heritage. Jews should be allowed on the Temple Mount if they want to go there. Let the muslims show tolerance

How are the muslims to understand that Mt. Moriyya is the holiest place to the Jews? Iran's nuclear weapon was built mainly for that. I hate war, but if war is the only solution let it be! Unfortunately the muslims will not comprehend in no other way that the Mt. Morriya is Jewish, and that the Third temple should be built, the sooner the healthier.

Yes we aknowledge, we pay respect for the jewish heritage. We consider it as a major part of the humanity common heritage. Then it is ours also. But make no mistake, we pay the same respect to the heritage of the peolple who lived before and after the jewish people on this very disputed land .Think that some decades later the red skins arise and clame that the european who came to america have no right to live in Canada, US, Mexico and the whole latin american countries.

Jerusalem is only holy to them because it is holy to us. 1,500 years after Judaism and 630 after rabbi Yeoshua / Jesus, an arab invented a new religion "based" on Judaism and Christianism. They just didn't build a mosque on top of St. Peter's (where Shimon / Peter, the Jewish fisherman is buried) because they didn't have the opportunity. If they want ot worship all our prophets and kings, like Moses, David, etc. as their "prophets" their problem. Jerusalem is ours.

If this isn't censored, I will try again to make my point. Israel stop the censoring of truth! How dare you call yourselves open media when you want show all the comments on very important subject matter? Even in America we are use to the idea of being cut off or censored for speaking our minds, but please don't do this in Israel. I am now afraid to speak my mind concerning my opinion and having open dialogue concerning the issues that are of world changing importance. Shame on you all!. If I say what you like, I'm in, otherwise delete. I am fully aware that in Israel there are many sensitive subjects that you feel require being handled with kid gloves. But I have been censored because I have opinions without insulting groups, religions or politicians. I simply state my viewpoint of any given subject and then wait to not be selected for publication. It's wrong. I guess I'll just keep posting in the Jerusalem Post. Thank You

That's the trouble w/ absolutes, absolutes aren't always absolutely...... Cain slew his brother, any 'religion' there? Not every conflict can be labeled, 'religious' or, of a 'religion'. Those first who premeditate war & begin a conflict, such as did Japan to America in 1941, 'religion' wasn't the excuse or, the cause. While many have been, Hitler's Nazi party couldn't be labeled a 'religion, or Russia's communism. Both were nations w/o'religions'. Something to think about, yes?

Israel belongs to the Israeli's. That is a fact. It was Israel over 3,000 years ago, that is fact. Only the Torah & Bible foretell today's news events in Israel that were written before the mention of "Palestine was 'created' by the Romans . That is a fact. No other book in the world can equal the perfect prophecy, or sales, of the worlds best seller, the Bible. "Christianity" was 'Created" approx. 2,000 years ago. Islam was 'created' in the 600's. There is nothing to compare to the exact realities of the history and the future of Israel today, as it was foretold thousands of years before they occurred. That is a fact.

To #10 what do you call the western wall nada zilch, or could it possibly be the foundation of the Jewish Temple. But that has not been the only thing that has been exposed. If you are going to make statements as you have, I think first you should get the facts. Another item that should interest you is what is already in plain site, the Eastern Gate. Oh you of little faith, read the Bible, and see if you can prove it wrong HISTORICALLY.

I think Gods' wrath would be my worry if I were in that area of the world. The Islamist took the Holy Mountain by force many moons ago What claim do they have to it now, it was reclaimed by force, because of their own stupid attack on Isreal in 1967, so my advice to them, is don't make the same mistake again, they may loose the whole area this time around. Turkey can say all they want, bottom line Isreal is in control.

Hmmmm, now who's on top? Gee whiz, its the Muslim buildings...guess that means the Jews (Palestinians) were there first. So who has a right to be wrathful at whom?

...by the hate displayed here in the name of religion.

the Palestinians used buldozers to remove all the archeological remnants of the Jewish Temple.

Why we have to do our bit,even though it gets rather boring,and repetitive. That we must fight our corner,to counteract the lies told by the detractors of Israel. Those being the "ISMRS" or the lovers of Arabs.

It seems you're relying on old information, for the latest, here are the facts, grab a cuppa coffee, sit back and learn http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem

Do you understand now why it is one sides. Just look at the math. I thought you guys are supposed to be smart!!

Motic it goes to show,that religion does not necessarily obviate cruelty and wars. As you said:Most of the so-called religious wars of earlier centuries were only using religion as a cover for national interests. Think again. Absolutely true.Whenthey need an excuse,they tend to bring that religion causes all the problems which totally BOGUS

where ever muslims build they always build on top of other holy religious sites. The most important is OUR HOLY TEMPLE usurpt by building the monstrocity ON TOP OF OUR HOLY TEMPLE.I mean the who was here first...The Jews or the muslims.Remember the Agia Sophia in Istanbul.As for the Afghan Taliban leader orders DESTRUCTION of ancient statues of the Bamiyan Buddhas:What did they gain by it. Just a thought: Suppose some nutter decides to destroy Egypt's pyramids?Now there's a thought. I mean architecturally(not connected to religion)

2000 years is a long time to be away from home. Palastinians have been on the land longer than Jews. Jews lost their prized status with God in 70 CE. The site belongs to all people, the world over.

The WAQF has been digging for decades, doing their very best to remove all vestiges of Jewish presence on the Temple Mount They load their trucks with our antiquities and dump them in the desert Where do you think the Wall came from, it certainly wasn't imported from outer space

'The mosque was built over a Christian church. The Jewish temple was gone since centuries.' Your statement would seem to imply that the most recent conqueror, by rights, builds on top of that belonging to the conquered. So do the Jews have the right to build over the Dome of the Rock? Of course not, no more than the Muslims have a right to bar Jews from the Kotel. Rather than relaying on your very spurious logic, a decent respect must be shown for the religious and cultural sensitivities of the three great faiths calling Jerusalem holy. MV

the Mosque built on top of it, so as to prove there never was a Jewish Temple

The Prime Minister is legally obliged to do what is right for Israel and not listen to any threats from foreign enemies and their appeasement lobby.

Interesting information about the world of three thousand years ago. But what has that to do with the world of today?

WIKIPEDIA Pre-construction The area of the mosque was part of King Herod the Great's expansion of the mount initiated in 20 BCE.[10] When the Second Temple stood, the present site of the mosque was the location of the Temple storehouse known as the chanuyot, which ran the length of the southern edge of the mount.[11] The chanuyot were destroyed along with the Temple by the Roman Emperor (then general) Titus in 70 CE. Emperor Justinian built a Christian church on the site in the 530s which was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and named "Church of Our Lady". The church was later destroyed by Khosrau II, the Sassanian emperor in the early 7th century and left in ruins.[12]Jerusalem was captured by the Crusaders in 1099, during the First Crusade. Instead of destroying the mosque?which they called "Solomon's Temple"?the Crusaders used it as a royal palace. In 1119, it was transformed into the headquarters for the Templar Knights. During this period, the mosque underwent some structural changes, including the expansion of its northern porch, and the addition of an apse and a dividing wall. A new cloister and church were also built at the site, along with various other structures.[20] The Templars constructed vaulted western and eastern annexes to the building; the western currently serves as the women's mosque and the eastern as the Islamic Museum.[17] BOTH invaderss built ON the Jewish Temple site.The Crusaders obviously realised it was part of the Temple. No Jews in Palestine at the time? where did you read that?

When I first heard your argument about 50 years ago I thought it may have some merit, but within half an hour I recalled that the two most murderous forces of the 20th Century -- Nazism and Communism -- were both atheistic and positively anti-religous. Most of the so-called religious wars of earlier centuries were only using religion as a cover for national interests. Think again.

If only the US had a leader like Bibi. We might actually be known as the country who stands up for its beliefs and what is right again.

It is condescendingly racist to have lowered standards expectations for Arab behavior than for other peoples. Our naive leftists seem to feel that Arabs are somehow lesser beings and not fully in control of their base emotions. It is an amazingly racist position, best exempilfied by the phrase "the Arab street will explode in rage" and it needs to nbe adressed as such.

How many Muslims are on Israel's National Planning and Building Committee? Are Israeli Muslim's concerns and sensitivities given any voice on that committee? If not, why not? MV

Rabbi Rabinowitz' concern about "crowding at the Wall" could easily be allayed by moving the male chauvinist mechitzah into the middle of the plaza where it belongs in the name of equity - and dividing it 50/50. David

Islam will be erased from Middle east??/ do we have dreamers here or what? im sure you said that after a big boose ( mr drung man?

A letter was written to philosopher Eric Gutkind in January 1954, a year before Einstein's death said: ?Religions are childish Fairy Tales?. It is mostly false and negative and sets people against each other. It's very sectarian. There is no place for it in modern civilisation. We need minds to be opened and polished and furnished with the great wonderfulness of science and knowledge, not poisoned with the redundant mindless idiotic sewage of horrible ignorant stone age savages

All the "Sacred Texts" were written by people with agendas and an ax to grind. They can be interpreted to justify any action, anywhere ,anytime. Clerics and wannabes, and their adherents and followers must be understood to be criminally insane before any progress in Human Affairs occurs Who said that the Taliban are restricted to Islam? They are embedded in all religions and, eventually, will take control, be it Islam, Judaism or Christianity.

Religion erodes democracy. Religion enflames ethnic tensions. Religion is triumphalistic. Religion encourages war. Religion is a symptom of a brain dysfunction caused by a high degree of survival anxiety. Religion is pathological. A symbolic attempt by the brain to regulate it?s own chemistry (more endorphins please?) but it tolerates all kinds of delusional behavior and rewards the most extreme acting out. This kind of nitpicking nonsense has no place in the contemporary world.

i am a jew. this land is mine. thus sayeth the lord g d of israel....... he didnt say the coastal plain, the negev, gallilea the west bank. he said this land..........

To the sand dwellers of the arab world only for their oil. When we finally drill for our own oil and other vast reserves are found in deep water; the world will have no use for the arabs. The Jews and Israel are used as scapegoats to placate to the arabs. Let those that go against the Jews and the land that G_d promised and gave to them see what wrath really means. The UK, France, Spain, Rome, the Dutch all found out the hard way. They're empty shells of once world powers.

Very good observations in your talkback, in which I whole-heartedly agree with. But I believe that you seem to be wondering or maybe asking a question at the beginning of your blog, "This article appears to be about two different things. One, the issue with the ramp. And two something about the Israeli "left"." and if so may I say that you will notice this type of artistic licensing often/very prevelent here. Its up to you of course to decifer the points. Again thanks for your post and the great observations' Welcome to the wonderful world of Haaretz everyone. Come back soon...

Keep dreaming!

I think the ward of reason must prevails, if the mosque is not considered a holy place for jaws, you must consider it as historical site, which should be will kept

It's time they know what it feels like. They have been destroying out sites to hide the truth for years. An example, Ezekiel's tomb.

It?s difficult to gain archaeological evidence of the temples (there were two) when you?re only allowed to excavate the surrounding areas? The only real searching that we have done was when the Al-Aqsa mosque was being expanded into the remains of "King Salmons" stables... I think the Islamic authority over the temple mount allowed us to sift threw the rubble... Perhaps if the Muslims did not fear what we would find so much they would allow us to properly excavate the ruins of the two temples...

The Western Wall Plaza was created by demolishing the Mugrab quarter of the Old City so if we have the guts to do that so we can build an area for jews to come pray and tourists to visit then if there is a NEED for a new ramp then we should stop getting scared of the big bad muslims and build the thing. The Magrabe ramp is the only route that the IDF & police have to Temple Mount which allows them to bypass the arabs so it has strategic value BUILD BIBI BUILD WE NEED A PERMAMENT WELL BUILT RAMP

Both sides need to stop playing the blame game about things that happened so long ago. Religious extremists of all religions neglect the purpose of religion in the first place and think they are 'heroic fighters' of their religion. The world has changed and they need to understand that killing eachother in the name of religion only undermines the strive for self-betterment that every religion teaches. All those values and beliefs that are supposed to make people better are put aside and instead it becomes about 'my team till the end and the rest should die' mentality. Unfortunately there are many on this site who are drowning in that mentality but it gives hope to see that some people are respectful of all human beings and religions. Ironic that the Holy Land is the cause of so much bloodshed. I hope some day people will realize that this way is the way of the naive, and not the other way around. Peace - Salam - Shalom

Where was the Zionist Jew when the Arabs were building the mosque?

Do the Arabs have qualms over the several dozens of synagogues they destroyed ? Do you think they would have qualms expelling Jews from Jerusalem if only they had the power to do so ? Have not they attempted several times already ? When will Israelis start feeling at home in their own country ?

when the truth comes out even the muslims will turn from their false idols, and worship the real living God or face the wrath of God.

Religion is a disease which continues to eat away at civilisation. God worship is a primitive practise(a control organ) founded on ignorance and it has no place in the modern world. It divides, not unites, and the faster we do away with it the better off we're all going to be. Mankind doesn't need religion or the threat of a God's wrath as incentive to do what is right and just.

They think they scare us? Not at all, it is just the moment to show them who's the boss and who's not scared of them.

We have the extremists on Israeli side who want it all their own way.We have extremists on the Arab side who are either paranoid or may have cause to worry.Dont get into the blame game for what happened thousands of years ago.Just as we dont like to hear that 'Jews killed Jesus' Its about time that we all realised that after blame comes destruction of lives,but after that the problems have not gone away.Like SAm says,we need to sit down, with a mediator if required , and sort it out.That is unless we are prepared to suffer any future consequences. We were told that Sharon walking on Temple mount 'caused 2nd intifada' So why oh why do we have to do ANYTHING provocative, however innocent we feel it is at the time, that may provoke loss of live on either side at some time in the future?

Of course you are right there is much work to be done and realities to be faced. I only post here is to counterract "the Arabs can do no wrong brigade".

Thank you Peter. We have all learnt something today. However, again, the political situation has changed, since those many centuries ago. Today is the present. The present is complicating Israels relations with all the Muslim World, both moderate and extreme. Quite frankly, I do not see a viable solution. DM Barak has called the left in a manner that will only create further divisions in Israeli society. Have a nice sunny day in OZ. G·day from freezing Swiss Alps.

Kids know one when they see one. It was not just a taunting statement but an accurate arrow of condemnation. Ploney, you are a yellow bellied coward! It hit home on anyone usually targeted. Cowardice surfaces in Judaism today with all too great frequency and unfortunately among adults! this author for sure deserves this title for he cowers under the condemning eyes of the world of Jew haters. he rushes to defend the opinions of non-Jews against his brethren and will never fight to defend what is right in Judaism. It is an illness that never got cured from childhood and perhaps someday when his 'handlers' hit closer to his home, Akiva the elder will wake up and shed the yellow tint of self-obsessed, possessed, & self-hating cowardice.

to buddhist statues? what have the muslims done whereever they have invaded ?/ they have defiled other beliefs places of worship or converted them to mosques ! wake up eldar and smell the coffee!

Do you really believe that? I read some ridiculous things, particularly by ignorant Americans discussing Isr/Pal and the ME, but I can honestly say that your comment is one of the silliest I've ever heard. Where are all the muslims going to go, I don't know how many millions? Who will be left? How will this happen? You sound like you know something!

Israel has an independent judiciary and I hope the govt will accept the court's suggestion to minimise the problem. The real issue was why the Muslims were allowed to excavate under the Temple Mount and rubbish Jewish antiquities, with no complaints by the Israeli authorities. The Israeli Court should also be involved in deciding whether Jews can pray on those parts of the Mount that Jews can enter without violating Halacha.

"Why did your brothers build a Mosque there OVER it??" The mosque was built over a Christian church. The Jewish temple was gone since centuries.

All accept the people who have had Synagogues, Mosques, Churches and Temples built on their sacred land - you know which sacred land, PeterSM, you and I are squatting on it, remember? Isn't occupying one land at a time enough for you?

A fair and lasting peace in the ME is for great importance for the whole world. A clash of civilizations makes no sense.Cooperation and ecomic integration are better.Mutual respect, understanding and tolerance would help.Peace.

not only the Western Wall but over the whole Temple Mount as well. As sovereign, it can do whatever it wants, without infringing the religious rights of other religions. If it bothers Muslims that Israel is doing salvage and reconstruction at the Moghrabi Gate, which is OUTSIDE their mosque, then that's just too bad. If the Muslims think they have a case, they can always appeal to the High Court of Justice.

That ramp in its current state is an abomination, an unbelievable visual affront to the Kotel plaza, as are the stumbling blocks intended to separate men from women as they move towards it before they reach the plaza itself. Only in Israel could such an aesthetic catastrophe be permitted to remain a "fact on the ground" at the Jews' most important physical relic for three years now. The rabbi responsible for the area admits he also wants to use the so-called repair for other purposes. Clearing more space for women will reveal other concerns for safety that necessitate further changes, perhaps? Solution: reduce the space for the men (vast and more often than not, almost deserted) and deepen the plaza instead. And just repair the cracks in the old ramp if it's still there. (Could someone inform us why those strange shrouds around the scaffolding below it?)

I think you'll find that it's no longer only the "deep left" that thinks in terms of a solution other than two-state. The idea Shenhav proposes in his latest book is gaining ground on all fronts of the so-called left and including part of the so-called right (see the Haaretz article on Rabbi Froman, Emily Maroussi and the Yerushalom movement a few weeks ago). Most of the Jews in this country prefer a peaceful solution to this conflict and would be prepared to make concessions for that. And most of the Jews in this country don't hate settlers per se.

I wouldn't change a word!

You talk about the Arabs. Well let me tell you- Anyone who so much as accidentally looks at a Jewish Israeli wrong is immediately labeled an anti Semite. It's ludicrous. A Jew can't even say anything slightly critical about Israel w/out be labeled a traitor to his people. Why not try a novel approach? Respect the holy sites of other people whether you like those people or not. I'm certain there's something to support this idea in Jewish teachings.

Open city for all.

Biblical Archaeology: The House of David and Solomon's Temple Biblical archaeology covering ancient Israeli kings and culture received a huge lift in 1994 when archaeologists discovered a stone inscription at the ancient city of Dan, which refers to the "House of David." The House of David Inscription (Tel Dan Inscription) is important because it's the first ancient reference to King David outside the Bible. Specifically, the stone is a victory pillar of a King in Damascus dated about 250 years after David's reign, which mentions a "king of Israel" (probably Joram, son of Ahab) and a king of the "House of David" (probably Ahaziah of Judah). Another important find is the House of Yahweh Ostracon, which is a pottery shard dated to about 800 BC that contains a written receipt for a donation of silver shekels to Solomon's Temple. Written approximately 130 years after the completion of the Temple, this appears to be the earliest mention of Solomon's Temple outside the Bible.

What most people certainly on this forum don't realize is that until the 1920's, the area which is known today as the western wall or hakotel was not even considered a religious site by the few hundreds or so local Jews. It was only after the Balfour Declaration was incorporated into the British Mandate of Palestine in 1918 that Zionist leaders decided from thereon the (Buraq Wall)as it was and still known to the Palestinian Arabs, was going to be a 'Jewish holy site'. Until 1967 the big plaza of the kotel was a crowded Arab residential neighborhood.

Why did your brothers find the need to build a Mosque on top of it when they invaded.? How many inscriptions have archeologists found in "Palestinian"? SEE the reconstruction of the Herods Temple,web search instead of making a fool of yourself Never heard of the 'burnt house" exhibition.?Its there for all to see.,the residenceof the Cohens who lived next to the Temple.

... but they're playing solo in their brass-headed revisionist band! They can defecate in and burn Jewish and Christian holy places but don't anyone step on their blue-mosaic shoes! Thus the wakes of the Muslim 7th Century confiscation of the ancient Jewish Temple Mount left in ruins during the Byzantine period and the subsequent building of two Islamic religious edifices there now surges into the perfect spiritual storm to dash in pieces all those that strive to lift the burdensome stone of Jerusalem. The Wakf personnel were allowed to dig and desecrate the most sensitive ruins under the Temple Mount to expand their place of worship without even a faint whimper from Israel's chronic critics who are altogether incapable of acknowledging the Jewish nation's love for the very soil and dust of Jerusalem. Erasing Hebrew from history has become the militant Muslim's favorite coping mechanism for dealing with a resurgent Judaism that's sporting a coveted coat of many colors.

These people are looking for a clash of civilizations and its going to be bad, very bad. When you don't give respect you just can not receive any respect.Like they say if you are looking for trouble you will find it for sure.

very impressive, full display of broad cultural fundamentals, and succinct analysis with proposed perfect solutions. One should envy nations having such journalists... where have you seen Arab man, let alone journalist, urging dismemberment of own homeland and dismantling sacred sites. Such a democratic freedom of thinking... almost out of Greek mythos, flying boldly in the zenith to frustrate the god of Sun himself by sheer display of unmatched bravery, even if slightly lightheaded.

Gods wrath?

and ship it Fed Ex to Mecca.

This article appears to be about two different things. One, the issue with the ramp. And two something about the Israeli "left". As for the first thing,th ramp, this is somewhat ridiculous. Is the author stating that is reasonable for Israel to not act because "Rumors flew through the Arab world that the Jews were trying to undermine the foundations of the mosque and prepare the area for the construction of a third Temple." Since this is not, in the least, true, why should it determine whether Israel rebuilds this ramp? The ramp is entirely in areas that are part of the Western Wall complex. It doesn't involve the destruction of a single building or structure that is important to modern Arab life or history in Jerusalem. It may be that archeological material will be disturbed, but Jews don't deny Arab history in Jerusalem. The archeological material isn't needed to prove any history that is currently being denied. Moreover, any discoveries could be preserved or cataloged.

If Bibi backs down, it says the Arabs do. In 1967 the Jews were overjoyed to once again possess Yerushalyim. In only a few years the spineless, so-called zionist Left has made us strangers in our most holy city. If that's the case why not move all of Israel to Australia? The land is has become meaningless to Jews. Especially Har HaBayit.

any excuse will do. When there isn't one a pallywood movie,a racist lie from any of the Moslem countries or a conspiracy theory will do. Lies come easy.Such as Pals claiming to recognise Israel Muhammad Dahlan "I want to say for the thousandth time, in my own name and in the name of all of my fellow members of the Fatah movement: We do not demand that the Hamas movement recognize Israel. On the contrary, we demand of the Hamas movement not to recognize Israel, because the Fatah movement does not recognize Israel even today."

Like a teddy bear name Muhammad - Muslims are forever seeking to be offend. Anti-Infidel and anti-semitic textbooks, speeches, etc in the Arab world not not expected to offend anyone - only Muslims can be offended. Using the temple to throw rocks onto worshipers bellow does not offend them, 1400 years of persecution of Jews by Muslims, Arab Imperialism into India/Asia/Europe,etc , does not offend these poor souls. The crusades trying to fighting the Califiate imperialist army offends them, the Jews fixing the temple mount which is the holiest site in Judaism (before Muhammad was even born) that offends them. And what are free, democratic people supposed to do ?? According to Haaretz we need to be culturally aware to those who like to be offended, those who commit genocide in places like Dafur, persecute Coptic christians, suicide bombers (in shite holy sites), stone women, etc ,etc, etc - look at how Europe is culturaly aware and how it is backfiring. Don't turn a cheek ...

If Bibi and his regime will continue the policy of hatred the whole world will turn in to a fire ball, probably at that point there willbe no u turn. Israel should start workin for peace for it's citizens and for poor Palestinians.

So what is the real point of this article? That an ultra-orthodox Rabbi wants more space for women to pray at the wall? Or is the real fact that is indirectly said in the article- the Muslim world will never allow or accept Jewish control or excavation on our holiest site? Do we think this happens in the "spiritual Jerusalem?"

the wrath of the Muslim world.....or for that matter the wrath of many in the world? When the Muslims (Jordanians) used Jewish tombstones for latrines, did anyone, complain or did anyone care?

and use them for fortified battle stations, Why isnt erodgan going after Hamas and hisbula. Simply put, erodagan is showing his true bias colors. Turkey is a freindly country, how did it get to this...

honorably and within our rights. time for muslims to give us respect and recognize our presence. the onus is on them not us!

as they destroy religious relics far older than the Muslim religion? I guess the UN only concerns itself with keeping a billion muslims happy, and overlooks the requirement of equal preservation of all religious sites, including those that are holy to the measley 10 million jews in the world.

A judge looks at a photograph and from that decides the stability of a building or bridge is sufficient? Only in Israel.

no trace of a temple. just one sliver of artificat would have been like mt everest to the zionist. but zilch, nada, nothing, zero or nary a trace of a temple has been found.

He and his cohorts are making Jews look like thugs. Is that okay with Israelis?

Why should the mosque be spared from destruction? Those who constructed it intended to erase the Jewish history of the place. It's called Kharma!

ITs time for Muslims to respect other religions holy sites, especially Judaisms Holiest. The TEmple Mount was built for the Temple, not a Mosque. Jerusalem was built as the Capital of Israel, not a Muslim city. Respect Jewish holyland. Enough is enough.

Not sure how you go, nor the connection, of the rampart to Temple Mount to green line. So a judge looks at a photograph of the rampart and determines, without any evidence nor expertise , that it is sound and then seeks to arrange the rampart and its ground area. This from a petition to stop the new rampart is some huge leap on the judge's part and goes beyond the scope of the legal suit as described here. The rest of item is a disconnect. Turkey PM and others will find anything to threaten Israel. What is new?

Haaretz is wringing its hands over Netanyahu risking Muslim wrath. It's interesting how the Arabs never worry about risking Jewish wrath. Why the asymmetry?

Muslim wrath. That is what Netanyahoo is asking for.

Islam will be erased from the ME.It's just a matter of time.It's obvious that they are prearing to wipe out Israel off the map but the opposite will happen before they know it.

and will respect Jews who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. They must chuckle every time a spineless Israeli is willing to lie down and give up on his heritage. The more the likes of Eldar have their way, the more pressure they invite on themselves and fellow countrymen.

JWTK. Jews With Trembling Knees. Islamists like Erdogan don't need pretexts to scapegoat Jews or demonize Israel. The very existence of a jewish state on "muslim soil", the very symbol of indigenous emancipation from muslim rule is enough to drive them mad. Akiva, if you are not ready to assert sovereignty over the Western Wall, then you may as well renounce the right of the Jewish people to self-rule and make ready for a "binational" state like the egyptian one. Copts can tell you how much fun it is to live in an Arab Republic where Shari'a is the source of legislation. They will also tell you how submission to islamists' demands in Egypt only lead to more sectarian oppression and more obscurantism.