Israel, the Holy Land, has many ancient sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as to the Druze and Bahai communities. Holy sites are sometimes dedicated to revered personalities, like the Patriarch Abraham, King David, the Prophet Samuel, Jesus, and the Prophet Muhammad. Several of the holy sites in Israel are also archaeological sites, e.g., the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and others. Archaeological activities at these sites, which are legally defined as holy sites, are not dependent on the sole discretion of the IAA Director-General. Any changes (e.g., excavation, construction, preservation of ancient walls, etc.) require approval of the Ministerial Committee for Holy Places, which consists of the Ministers of Justice, Education and Religious Affairs. The IAA is responsible for the integrity of these holy sites.
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