In response to a question at this morning's Cabinet session by Interior Minister Avraham Poraz (Shinui) about the decision, Sharon said that there is a claim that this is an ancient Jewish cemetery, and that hareidi groups had demanded a halt to the excavations.
Prime Minister Sharon said that at least 100,000 people, led by Rabbi Shalom Yosef Elyashiv, were due to hold a demonstration regarding the cemetery tomorrow. The demonstration was in fact called off, following the decision to halt the works.
"I didn't think that in addition to all of the existing tension, this is what we lacked right now," Sharon said. "Therefore, I requested that an additional check be made [as to whether the burial ground is Jewish or not - ed.]." Prime Minister Sharon emphasized that if it was possible to prevent strife among Jews, efforts should be made to do so: "If there is the possibility of preventing a large-scale demonstration and a worsening of relations, and carry out an additional check that will take three weeks, this must be done. Therefore, I requested that the excavations be postponed in order to see what may be done to prevent an increase in strife and conflicts."
Prime Minister Sharon said that at least 100,000 people, led by Rabbi Shalom Yosef Elyashiv, were due to hold a demonstration regarding the cemetery tomorrow. The demonstration was in fact called off, following the decision to halt the works.
"I didn't think that in addition to all of the existing tension, this is what we lacked right now," Sharon said. "Therefore, I requested that an additional check be made [as to whether the burial ground is Jewish or not - ed.]." Prime Minister Sharon emphasized that if it was possible to prevent strife among Jews, efforts should be made to do so: "If there is the possibility of preventing a large-scale demonstration and a worsening of relations, and carry out an additional check that will take three weeks, this must be done. Therefore, I requested that the excavations be postponed in order to see what may be done to prevent an increase in strife and conflicts."