Jerusalem researcher uncovers Israeli plans to build temple over Al-Aqsa
Date: 03 / 11 / 2008 Time: 14:04
www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=32989

Jerusalem - Ma'an - Disturbing long range plans from the Israeli Antiquities
Authority outline strategies for the construction of a Jewish Temple on the
site where the Al-Aqsa Mosque now stands, a Jerusalem researcher says.

The plans were obtained by Palestinian archaeologist and researcher Dr
Ibrahim Al-Fanni, who revealed the drafts and drawings to Ma'an's Jerusalem
correspondent.

The papers showed sketches outlining the demolition of the holy Al-Aqsa
Mosque and the Marwani mosque (Solomon's stables) beneath the building.

The series of designs is titled the "Comprehensive Strategic Plan," and is
divided into two possible routes.

"Plan A" outlines the architectural and archaeological plans in the
eventuality that Israel fails to demolish the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The plan involves opening up the Fatimi Halls, which are located under the
Al-Aqsa Mosque. The halls would be turned into a Jewish Temple, and
construction would gradually move to the upper part of the compound, taking
over space in Al-Aqsa.

"Plan B" would see the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the construction
of a Jewish "Royal Palace" on the same site, which Muslims believe was the
spot from which the Prophet Muhammad started his journey into the heavens.

Asked why Israel would choose to target the Dome of the Rock, which is not a
holy site in Judaism, Dr Al-Fanni explained that "under the spot where the
golden dome stands, according to Judaism, there is an exposed piece of
bedrock of what they call Mount Moriah- metaphysically known as Even Ishtiah
which is a Hebrew term meaning "drinking stone." Judaism says that the world
is spiritually nourished from this spot.the stone is the center of the
Universe."

"From the earliest period of Jewish history," continued Al-Fanni, "the
Patriarchs of the Jewish people recognized the tremendous spiritual power of
Mount Moriah. This is where Abraham, sensing God's presence, went up to
offer Isaac -according to the Bible, and Isma'il according to the Qur'an -
as a sacrifice."

Dr Al-Fanni is director of the Jerusalem Foundation for Research and
Documentation.