The Knesset Education Committee dealt today with the destruction of Temple Mount artifacts, not for the first time. Many MKs were disappointed that Public Security Minister Uzi Landau - who was very active on behalf of this cause under the previous government - was not present, nor did he send a representative from his office. Archaeologist Eilat Mazar presented strong evidence that significant destruction is going on, yet the official response, expressed by Minister Landau and police officials, is that no illegal works are going on.
Committee Chairman Zevulun Orlev condemned Landau\'s \"cowardliness.\" Orlev said, \"the police have suddenly become an Antiquities Authority, ruling that what is being destroyed are not ancient artifacts, while the professionals insist otherwise… I have strong basis to think that this is all part of a Moslem plan to erase any Jewish connection to the site. [Arab] MK Dahamshe has even said that the Temple Mount is not a holy site for Judaism and that the Temple did not stand there... We clearly informed the government: If they do not take strong action, our committee will initiate the formation of a Parliamentary committee to investigate this entire matter.\" Arutz-7\'s Haggai Seri clarified that Orlev meant that if Education Minister Limor Livnat and Public Security Minister Uzi Landau do not show up at next week\'s meeting, the Parliamentary committee will be formed.
Committee Chairman Zevulun Orlev condemned Landau\'s \"cowardliness.\" Orlev said, \"the police have suddenly become an Antiquities Authority, ruling that what is being destroyed are not ancient artifacts, while the professionals insist otherwise… I have strong basis to think that this is all part of a Moslem plan to erase any Jewish connection to the site. [Arab] MK Dahamshe has even said that the Temple Mount is not a holy site for Judaism and that the Temple did not stand there... We clearly informed the government: If they do not take strong action, our committee will initiate the formation of a Parliamentary committee to investigate this entire matter.\" Arutz-7\'s Haggai Seri clarified that Orlev meant that if Education Minister Limor Livnat and Public Security Minister Uzi Landau do not show up at next week\'s meeting, the Parliamentary committee will be formed.