The bridge was constructed in 2007 and was intended to remain in place for several months until a more permanent solution was built. Due to claims from the Wakf Islamic religious trust, instituted by Jordan after the War of Independence, that Israel was trying to destabilize the Temple Mount, a more permanent solution was never found, and the wooden bridge remained in place.
In 2011, the Jerusalem city
engineer issued an order to close the bridge due to safety concerns, but
it has remained open for public use.
Earlier
this year, experts from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation warned
that the bridge’s wood was extremely dry and cracked, attempts to treat
it had failed, and replacing it was the only option.
There is another access to the Har HaBayis platform in the Arab quarter. Israel can end the Arab intransigence over repairs easily. Simply put up signs "Temple Mount this way!" leading from the Kotel plaza to the other access and encourage large crowds to trample through the Arab quarter . They'll change their minds.
ReplyDelete