Why Did Israel Not Demolish the Al-Aqsa Mosque During the Six-Day War?
When the Six-Day War concluded in 1967, the Jordanian forces that previously occupied East Jerusalem retreated, and contentious questions emerged regarding the fate of religious sites in the region. Particularly prominent was the issue of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Israel's decision not to demolish the holy site and place it in the broader context of Israel's commitments to peace, religious tolerance, and the protection of holy places.
Israel's Commitment to Its Declaration of Independence
When Israel declared its independence in 1948, it adopted a Declaration of Independence that included a clear commitment to uphold the principles of equality and respect for religious places. The declaration explicitly states:
[T]he state of Israel will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race, or sex. It will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture. It will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions. And it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
This commitment placed Israel in a unique position among United Nations members, as it aimed to respond to conflict with peace and to uphold the rights of all inhabitants, regardless of religious affiliation. The preservation of holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, is a cornerstone of this commitment.
The Role of Leader Levi Eshkol
Levi Eshkol, who was serving as Prime Minister at the time, understood the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious sites during the conflict. He issued a directive forbidding the destruction of any buildings, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This decision was part of a broader strategy to assert Israeli control while also demonstrating respect for the religious significance of the area.
Additionally, the Chief Rabbi of the time also issued a decree prohibiting Jews from entering the mosque's grounds. This decision was made with the understanding that the preservation of the mosque's integrity upheld religious and cultural sensibilities, preventing any actions that could be perceived as desecration.
The Impact of Jordanian Occupation and Destruction
During the Jordanian occupation of Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967, the city's "Jewish Quarter" was systematically destroyed with artillery. The Al-Aqsa Mosque was repurposed by the Jordanians for defence purposes, serving as both an ammunition storage facility and a firebase from which mortars and sniper fire were launched on the rest of the city. Under these circumstances, the destruction of the mosque would have not only been a strategic blunder but also counterproductive to Israel's broader goals.
Even a single well-placed mortar round could have been attributed to Jordan, potentially escalating the conflict further. The concern was that such an event could have led to an immediate and intense response from Jordan, exacerbating the already tense situation.
Israel's Ethical Stance and Multicultural Identity
Israel is a nation that values multiculturalism and religious diversity. The country welcomes and supports Christians, Muslims, Druze, Baha'is, Samaritans, and Evangelical Christians, all of whom are recognized as equal citizens under the law. The state's commitment to protecting and respecting religious sites, regardless of conflicts, is a testament to its ethical stance and respect for human rights.
During the Six-Day War, when Jordan illegally occupied Jerusalem, it destroyed 56 synagogues of historical significance. However, Israel still provided administrative oversight for religious sites within its borders, ensuring that these holy places were maintained and protected by the appropriate religious trusts.
Israel's approach to religious sites is fundamentally different from that of its critics. Unlike those who advocate for the destruction of non-Muslim holy sites, Israel is committed to maintaining them and ensuring that all religious groups have the freedom to practice their faith without fear of desecration.
Miscalculations and Future Considerations
The decision not to demolish the Al-Aqsa Mosque was not without controversy and some debate. Some argue that the failure to destroy the site was a miscalculation, as it may have provided a lasting and contentious symbol in the region. However, it is also important to note that the decision was made with the understanding that peace and religious tolerance are paramount.
Despite the fact that the "greatest soldier in the world" was dubbed Moses Dayan, he, too, made mistakes. One could argue that the decision to leave the Temple Mount compound under the administration of the Jordanian Waqf was a strategic miscalculation, one that remains the subject of much discussion and debate even today.
However, the overarching goal of preserving religious sites and ensuring peace and equality should not be undermined. Israel's commitment to this cause is unwavering, and its actions are guided by a deep respect for the sanctity of all religious sites.