Israel has no jurisdiction on Temple Mount, says culture minister

Raleb Majadele, Arieh Eldad polemicize over question of Israel's legal pull on Temple Mount. 'In keeping with the status-quo al-Aqsa cannot be under Israel's legal control,' says Majadele

Amnon Meranda
Published: 11.13.07, 23:53 / Israel News

Does the State of Israel have any jurisdiction on Temple Mount? Not according to Science, Culture and Sport Minister Raleb Majadele.

Majadele was called Tuesday to answer a parliamentary question regarding Israel's jurisdiction on the Temple Mount in regards to the digs performed on the site by the Waqf (Muslim administrative body in Jerusalem), which was brought to the Knesset by MK Arieh Eldad (National Union).

"I would like to know what is being done in the immediate future to stop the destruction of the Temple's remains?"

The digs, replied Majadele, have been supervised by the IAA since their beginning, adding he has been working on "creating an understanding and cooperation between the Waqf and the IAA, which I hope will continue for a long time."

But does the State of Israel have any legal pull on Temple Mount, asked Eldad. "In my opinion," answered Majadele, "absolutely not."

Eldad went on to wonder if Majadele's reply was a testament to the government's opinion on the matter. "I can only speak my mind… I am a Muslim first and a minister second.

Then we would not have Majadele as a minister in the cabint of the Jewish State.