The Muslim Observer:

Washington, DC (August 7, 2000)- Following public outcry, Israel's chief rabbis have delayed a discussion on building a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa compound, site of one of Islam's holiest mosques. Last week, "American Muslims for Jerusalem" labeled the proposal "recklessly provocative."

According to the Associated Press, the Chief Rabbinical Council, "appointed a committee to study all the aspects of the issue while protecting the historic religious rights of Jews on the Temple Mount." (AP, 08/07/00) Reuters reports that a spokesperson for the council stated that the committee was set up "to examine all the ways to realize our rights and sovereignty over the Temple Mount." Considerations for non-Jewish historic and religious rights do not immediately appear to have been included.

"These radical proposals indicate to us the future non-Jewish holy sites face if Isreal is allowed to complete its occupation and annexation of Jerusalem," said AMJ executive director Khalid Turaani. "I believe the Israelis have been emboldened by US pressure on the Palestinians to capitulate, to give up on Jerusalem."

US President Bill Clinton has been clear in his belief that the Palestinians are at fault for the lack of success at Camp David II. UN Security Council Resolutions 476 (June 30, 1980) and 478 (August 20, 1980) make it clear that Israel's declaration of Jerusalem as its capital is a violation of international law recent. Despite near universal international support for these resolutions, the US has given strong indications that it plans to recognize Israel's claim to Jerusalem. Such recognition would probably occur in the form of a relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city.