The Jerusalem Municipality on Tuesday formally requested that the Islamic Trust (Waqf) cease construction activities that are harming the Temple Mount and artifacts buried there.

The Waqf, which is under Palestinian leadership but is officially a Jordanian religious organ, has for years been digging and building atop the Temple Mount, often discarding Jewish archeology that is later discovered in garbage mounds below the compound.

In the request, the Israel Antiquities Authority explained that new construction along the perimeter wall of the Temple Mount is causing significant damage.

The cease and desist order was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to further discuss the issue with his government in the coming days.