Construction of mosque near major Christian shrine halted

Associated Press WriterJERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel decided Wednesday to halt construction of a mosque next to a major Christian shrine in Jesus' birthplace of Nazareth, an Israeli official said, a project that had caused friction between Christians and Muslims.

The mosque would stand next to the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, built on the spot where tradition says the Angel Gabriel foretold the birth of Jesus.

Construction on the mosque was approved by previous Israeli governments and began several weeks ago. Its foundation has already been completed.

The Israeli diplomatic official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel's security Cabinet ruled that building will be halted immediately. Two Cabinet ministers have been asked to find an alternative site in Nazareth for the mosque.

Police in the West Bank town of Nazareth were braced for angry protests by the local Islamic Movement, which had funded the mosque constructions. The mosque has become a symbol of Muslim aspirations for greater political power in Nazareth, where Christians are no longer a majority.

Christian groups in the city called the mosque a provocation, with some accusing the government of approving it to curry Muslim votes. The dispute also brought tensions between Israel and the Christian world, with the Vatican complaining about the project.

The Israeli government says about a third of the public plaza in front of the church belongs to the Wakf -- the Muslim religious trust.

The site had been used in the past as a place for Muslim prayers, a Muslim school and Muslim-owned shops. Muslims say the grave of Shahib al-Din -- a nephew of Saladin, the Muslim commander who led an army in defeating the Crusaders in 1187 -- lies beneath the lot.