Israel halts mosque construction

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The Israeli Security Cabinet ordered a halt Wednesday to construction of a controversial mosque near a Christian holy site in Nazareth.

The Cabinet decided to form a committee to look into the future of the mosque, a project which had resulted in tensions between the Israeli government and the Vatican.

The Israeli government, over objections from the Vatican, had earlier agreed to the construction of the mosque. However, it had not issued any building permits.

Muslims who want to build the mosque over the tomb of Shehab el-Din, nephew of the Muslim hero Saladin, went ahead with construction despite not having the permits.

Saladin is the Muslim leader who led the ouster of the Crusaders from the Holy Land eight centuries ago.

The site of the mosque is near the Christian Basilica of the Annunciation. Christians believe the Basilica of the Annunciation is built on the spot where the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she would give birth to Jesus.

The Cabinet said it was halting the construction because the proper permits had not been issued.

The committee is to report back to the Cabinet within two weeks on what to do about the mosque.