Majadele: Mayor knew renovations were illegal

Minister Ghaleb Majadele (Labor) criticized Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski yesterday, saying he had allowed the controversial renovations to take place near the Temple Mount despite knowing it was illegal, and had not received all required authorization to carry out the work.

Majadele told the Knesset Interior and Environment Committee, which was discussing the fierce opposition to the excavations and construction near the Temple Mount's Mugrabi Gate, that he had informed the Israel Antiquities Authority head several days ago that the order to carry out excavations was illegal. Majadale said he wanted to discuss the matter with Lupolianski, but the mayor had evaded a meeting.

Israel plans to build a permanent walkway to the Mugrabi Gate to replace a temporary wooden bridge that has been deemed unsafe after the authority carries out a salvage dig in the area. Israeli officials have rejected Arab claims that Israel is digging beneath the Temple Mount.

Committee chairman MK Ophir Pines-Paz (Labor) called for the immediate halt to the excavations. He said the matter should be given further thought and be coordinated with the relevant authorities to avoid the appearance of unilateral Israeli action.

Minister Yaakov Edri (Likud) said that Attorney General Menachem Mazuz had told him there were problems with the authorization to build the walkway, and that a decision would be reached within a few days. Meanwhile, the authority can continue the excavations.