The seemingly intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict is based, for the most part, on the closely intertwined issues of geography and government -- or, in a nutshell, who owns the land and how it should be governed. Reaching any sort of accommodation on those issues continues to defy global efforts to resolve them. Add religion to the volatile mix of geography and politics and there's no telling what will result.

One thing is almost certain, though. Little good is likely to arise from any infusion of religious fervor into the region's superheated atmosphere. Unfortunately, a dispute about an on-going archeological dig in Jerusalem has taken a decidedly religious turn. The result is predictable -- and dangerous.

The dig near what Jews call the Temple Mount and Muslims call Haram al-Sharif is on land holy to adherents of both faiths. Palestinians claim the dig has already undermined Arab-owned homes in the area and that continued work could undermine the Al-Aqsa mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam. Ultra-right Israelis say the dig is necessary to prove the Jewish claim to the Holy Land. Extremists on both sides are using the dispute about the dig to stir religious passions.

That exacerbates the political dispute about the future of Jerusalem. Israelis claim it as their own, but Palestinians say it will be the capital of their new state. The latter view growing Jewish settlement in Jerusalem as an attempt to favorably change political demography there. It's further proof that it is difficult to separate politics and religion in the Mideast. The difficulties, as they have in the past, can lead to violence.

Less than two weeks ago, violence between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters erupted at the holy sites. The crowd was dispersed and no serious injuries were reported, but the clash understandably worries thoughtful Israeli and Palestinian leaders as well as international diplomats. There's reason for concern.

Less than a decade ago, a visit by then Israeli leader Ariel Sharon to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount site was the catalyst for the long-lasting Al-Aqsa Intifada that proved debilitating to Palestinians and Israelis alike. Fears that current strife there could prompt a similar uprising or, more worrisome still, a region-wide holy war are valid.

Quick resolution of the simmering dispute at the holy sites is required if the currently stalled talks about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate are to resume.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should act promptly to stop the dig that needlessly inflames Palestinian ire. He should slow or preferably stop Israeli settlement in Muslim areas of Jerusalem. Those actions might be unpopular in some Israeli circles, but are the right thing to do. They would help defuse the current crisis and would reaffirm Israeli willingness to make concessions in return for the possibility of peace.