In 1993 Israel's Supreme Court found that the Waqf had violated the country's antiquities laws no less than 35 times, with many of the violations causing the irreversible destruction of archaeological remains. Ironically, the court said that nothing needed to be done because it was certain that in the future Israeli authorities would make sure that the Waqf caused no further damage on the Mount. In the face of Barak's inaction, a citizen's committee has been formed to protest the Waqf's activities. Spearheaded by Israel Caspi, a Tel Aviv lawyer, the Committee for the Prevention of the Destruction of Antiquities on the Temple Mount gathered 140 signatures from across the Israeli political spectrum on an open letter to the prime minister. Some might argue that paving an earthen area is a benign, nondestructive act.
Historical information is obliterated, perhaps forever.
Due to Prime Minister Barak's concern for negotiations with the Palestinians, no effective archaeological oversight is taking place on the Temple Mount. The frequently heard view is that a tough stance by Israel will enflame the Palestinians and set back the peace talks. Meir Dagan, who was the counterterrorism advisor to both Barak and former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Add your voice to the protest against the destruction on the Temple Mount. Suzanne Singer serves as a contributing editor to BAR and was for many years its managing editor.