JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the dismantling of a wooden bridge built from the Western Wall plaza to the Temple Mount.
The bridge was built about two weeks ago by local authorities without government authorization, according to Israeli media reports, citing an unnamed senior Israeli official.
The Jordanian government, which has oversight over Islamic holy sites, protested the project, as did the royal family, according to reports.
The Mughrabi Bridge, which allows non-Muslims to walk to the Temple Mount, was erected in 2004 as a temporary structure, but has not been replaced due to Muslim fears it would change the character of the site. Israel also worries it would generate anti-Israel sentiment in the Muslim community.
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