debkafile: The Muslim authorities are again digging illegally on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, again with a tractor

An inspection carried out by Israel’s Antiquities Authority on July 9 discovered a 1.5 m deep trench dug near the Dome of the Rock into the original landfill of the Jewish Second Temple. Remains of an ancient wall possibly dating to the First Temple have become visible. Heavy earthmoving equipment is barred by Israeli law at the shrine. All construction activity at sensitive sites requires a permit from the Antiquities Dept. Yet the Muslim excavation in progress to install new cable lines is unlicensed and pursued without regard to damage to Jewish relics and artifacts under the surface of the present-day plaza and mosques. A report on the offense was filed after the site’s inspection by Gideon Harlap, Antiquities Authority trustee.