Israel has ordered the seizure of land encompassing the Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) Mosque and tomb site in the occupied West Bank. The decision, announced on Tuesday, involves the acquisition of 28 acres that include the Palestinian town of Beit Iksa and the historic mosque. The Israeli Civil Administration, under the Defense Ministry, stated that the area is being taken for 'public interest' and that a development project will be launched to preserve the archaeological site believed to be the tomb of Prophet Solomon.

Palestinian analysts have condemned the move as another example of the 'Judaization' of Islamic heritage sites. The Prophet Solomon site holds religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Historically, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian ordered a church built there, and later Muslim rulers constructed various structures in Solomon’s memory. The current mosque features Ayyubid and Mamluk architectural elements and includes a tomb revered by Muslims as Solomon’s resting place.

Experts note that since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967, it has gradually altered the area, including building a synagogue in the underground chamber believed to house Solomon’s tomb and reducing Muslim prayer space.