almotamar.net Google - JERUSALEM, Feb. 12 � Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski decided on Sunday night to postpone plans for the construction of a controversial new footbridge near the religious compound in the Old City of Jerusalem known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount. But earthworks and a salvage dig at the site, which have aroused Muslim ire and set off two days of disturbances in Jerusalem and some West Bank cities, will continue.
Mr. Lupolianski took the decision, together with Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who is responsible for the Western Wall area below the compound and other Jewish holy places, because of the "sensitivity of the plan," according to a Jerusalem city spokesman. The plans for the footbridge will now be referred to planning and construction committees and will come under public review.
The Antiquities Authority, which is carrying out the earthworks at the site, said the digging could not be stopped mid-way for reasons of public safety...
Jerusalem was mostly calm after the weekend, though Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said on Monday morning that two vehicles were stoned near the city's Mount of Olives and two Israelis were lightly injured.