The question is once again, what is taking place on Har Habayis pertaining to the Waqf Authority, which is suspected of illegal activities pertaining to digging and violating antiquities laws.

Acting on orders from Jerusalem Police Chief Yoram Halevy, a Waqf construction engineer was detained for questioning by police along with five workers, all suspected of taking part in antiquities law-breaking.

This began with the assembly of scaffolding around al-Aqsa, reportedly for renovations which were not cleared with Israeli authorities as required, including the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Police announce following questioning; the engineer will be distanced from Har Habayis for five days.

Despite the actions of police, viewed by some as significant, it is well-documented that the Waqf Authority has been doing as it pleases on Har Habayis for years, including carting off and dumping literally thousands and thousands of trucks containing dirt and artifacts from the First and Second Beis Hamikdash.

Har Habayis activists report that to date, the Waqf has carried out no less than 21 renovation projects without permits while Israeli governments and authorities sit by and observe R”L.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)