The Historical Controversy and Current Control of the Temple Mount
This article aims to provide a detailed and objective analysis of the historical events and current control over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It focuses on the facts rather than opinions, providing insight into the complex relationship between the Israelis and Arabs concerning this sacred site.
Introduction
Jerusalem, the historical and religious heart of the Middle East, hosts several revered holy sites. Among these, the Temple Mount (known to Jews as Haram al-Sharif) is a site of immense significance to both Jews and Muslims. This piece delves into the history of negotiations and disputes surrounding control of the site, emphasizing that Israel has never negotiated to give up its control of the Temple Mount.
The Role of the Temple Mount in Both Cultures
The Temple Mount, or Haram al-Sharif in Arabic, is a compound of great historical and religious significance to both Jews and Muslims. For Jews, it is the location of the ancient First and Second Temples. For Muslims, it houses the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, Islamic law does not present a problem with the presence of non-Islamic structures or places of worship on the site.
The Construction of the Golden Dome
A key point of contention is the presence of the Golden Dome, often referred to as the Dome of the Rock. It is important to clarify that the Golden Dome is a shrine built to commemorate the holiness of the site. It is separate from the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is located on the eastern side of the Mount.
The Legal Framework and Current Management
Israel does not negotiate over control of the Temple Mount. Instead, it manages the site through an arrangement with the Islamic Trust. According to Israeli law, Jewish religious law restricts access to the site, with entry allowed only in specific cases. To resolve this, Israel agreed for the Islamic Trust to manage day-to-day operations.
Complicated Dynamics and the Role of Jordan
Jordan is currently the leader of the Islamic Trust and its king is the head of this trust. This arrangement is significant for several reasons. First, allowing Jordan to manage the Temple Mount helps preserve the status quo between Israel and Jordan, which serves as a buffer state. Second, if Israel were to prohibit the Islamic Trust from operating, it would call into question the legitimacy of the Jordanian king's rule, potentially leading to a political upheaval.
US Recognition and Future Challenges
The official recognition of Jerusalem by the United States as the capital of Israel has implications for the management and control of the Temple Mount. The U.S. recognition and ongoing political changes in Jerusalem have led to a surge in Jewish activity and development in the area, including the establishment of a Jewish Rabbinical school at the entrance to the Temple Mount. This trend, coupled with political shifts, may influence the future of control and management over the site.
Concluding Observations
As the political climate changes, it is anticipated that the current management arrangements may be challenged. Following the October 2023 massacre during Simchat Torah and the ongoing tensions in the region, alliances are shifting. Jordan's alignment with Hamas and the associated justifications for violence are altering the delicate balance of control over the Temple Mount.
The Temple Mount remains a contentious and critical holy site in the Middle East, and its future management will likely be shaped by political, religious, and cultural dynamics.