Jerusalem has been on high alert this week because of construction near the Temple Mount. The Muslim Waqf which oversees the Temple Mount complex is claiming that Israel is trying to collapse the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to reclaim possession of the Temple Mount. They are encouraging the Muslim population to engage in the third Intifada (uprising) against the nation of Israel. Events climaxed at noon on Friday when the Muslim call to prayer commenced in the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. Police blocked off the Old City for two hours while the Muslim worshippers disbanded and left the Temple Mount complex. No injuries were reported.

The Al Aqsa Mosque overlooking Archeological Park

The Temple Mount from southwest corner of Plaza

The excavations in question are for the construction of a new walkway leading up to the Mughrabi Gate of the Temple Mount. The Mughrabi Gate has been the tourist entrance to the Temple Mount for the last several decades. There was once a stone walkway on an earthen ramp leading up to the gate, but this structure partially collapsed in an earthquake in 2004 and was deemed unsafe. For the past 3 years tourists have been using a temporary wooden bridge constructed in the Western Wall plaza. A more permanent structure is now under construction.

Police guarding Mugrabi Gate to Temple Mount

This is the only equipment used for excavation

The new walkway will begin just inside the Dung Gate on the southern end of the Western Wall plaza near the Archeological Park. A bridge will span part of the Archeological Park and connect to the former earthen ramp leading to the Mughrabi Gate of the Temple Mount. The new walkway will provide a good view of the Archeological Park and will not intrude into the Western Wall plaza as the wooden structure does today.

The Archeological Park with the excavation for the footing of the bridge

The Archeological Park south of Temple Mount

The Muslim Waqf is claiming that the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) is digging under the supporting walls of the Al Aqsa Mosque threatening its collapse. According to the IAA, this fear is unfounded however because they are only excavating a very small area to place the footings for the new bridge spanning the Archeological Park. The area of concern is approximately 50 yards from the supporting walls of the Temple Mount and poses no threat whatsoever to the existing structures on the Temple Mount itself.

Distance from Western Wall

Distance from Al Aqsa Mosque

The IAA is continuing with the project. Prime Minister Olmert is supporting their decision, despite governmental pressures to forego the project.