Israeli PM backs holy site dig

Muslims fear the dig could damage their nearby mosque

Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has rejected calls by his defence minister to halt excavations at a contentious Jerusalem holy site, Israeli media has reported.

Amir Peretz urged Mr Olmert to stop the digging near the al-Aqsa mosque for fear it will antagonise the Arab world.

Mr Olmert declined, saying the works were causing no harm, the prime minister's office told the BBC.

The excavation has provoked outrage among Muslims, who say it could damage the foundations of the mosque.

There have been widespread protests among Palestinians and the wider Muslim world since the excavations began on Tuesday.

'Video feed'

The work is a prelude to the construction of a new walkway leading to the compound containing the mosque - Islam's third holiest site.

Plan of the holy sites

The compound is also revered by Jews as the site of their biblical temples and therefore the holiest site in Judaism.

Mr Olmert rejected Mr Peretz's appeal to stop the excavations, about 60m (200ft) from the mosque.

"A thorough examination of the matter would reveal that nothing about the work under way will harm anyone, and there is no truth in the contentions against the work," Mr Olmert's office said.

JERUSALEM HOLY SITE SACRED TO MUSLIMS: Site of Prophet Muhammad's first prayers and ascent into Heaven, home to al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock SACRED TO JEWS: Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice. Western Wall is the holiest site in Judaism Guide to holy sites Where archaeology is politics

The Israeli Antiquity Authority, which is conducting the excavations, says it is considering installing a 24-hour live video feed from the site to allay Muslim fears.

The Islamic authorities in charge of the compound say two underground rooms lie under the mound which is being levelled.

The work is intended to secure the area and protect archaeological artefacts that have not yet been uncovered, Israeli officials say.

The compound area has been a flashpoint for violence since Israel captured it during the 1967 Middle East war.

In 1996, Israel's opening of an exit to a tunnel near the site triggered riots in which 80 people died in clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops.

And in 2000, the Palestinian uprising began at the mosque following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then opposition leader, Ariel Sharon.

Since 1967, the compound has remained under Muslim jurisdiction in conjunction with neighbouring Jordan.

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