You said -- "This has some pretty profound geopolitical implications, and it is the the first time that I've heard such a public call for it."
Well, those who look at Bible Prophecy (and believe that what God says will happen -- will actually happen), have been waiting for that to come around.
The Jews who believe that this is coming soon -- have already been engaged in gathering together all the necessary items for the Temple being reconstructed. The solid gold one-piece Temple Menora has already been made. Other Temple furnishings have been construction and are in storage, right now. Other Temple instruments have been and are being made right now. Much is in storage, waiting for the construction of the Third Temple.
This is a quote from http://www.thirdtemple.com/IntroductionToThirdTemple.html
"The absolute 101% fact is that 'The Third Temple' will be built. It is only a matter of time now. Granted, the real estate (Har-Ha-Byet, The Temple Mount) is a little bit difficult today due to our lack of joy and unenlightened approach to life which can be repaired in an instant, so we have begun the construction in a different medium. A small but important part of the foundation has been built already. Our current goal is to get the entire Jewish People and the rest of the world turned on to the idea and reality of 'The Third Temple'. We aim to do this through The Third Temple¨ internet portal, enlightened Torah learning, love of the Land of Israel and the sale and distribution of quality products with the'Third Temple'¨ trademark logos."
Here is a picture of the solid gold Menora --
http://www.thirdtemple.com/OldCity/menorah24k_1.htm
http://www.thirdtemple.com/OldCity/menorah24k_3.htm
Here is the web site of the Temple Institute, who had the Menora made (plus all the other work they are doing on the other things needed for the Temple to be constructed and the sacrificial system to start up once again).
http://www.templeinstitute.org/
Yep, soon you will be seeing the construction of the Third Temple and the start of the Jewish sacrificial system once again.
The location of the Third Temple is a question. There are three locations given (today) that I know about. One is at the Dome of the Rock and the other two are to the north and to the south of it. I personally bellieve it's the location immediately to the north of the Dome of the Rock, facing the Golden Gate to the east.
We'll see, soon enough....
Regards,
Star Traveler
You forgot about the red heiffer. A rancher in Texas has been contracted to create a breed of unblemished red heiffers and has been successful in doing so, although the location of the ranch has been kept secret for fears of reprisals by Israel's enemies.
They have reconstituted everything necessary for the sacrifice ritual: the instruments, the apparel, the prayers, the procedures, and the red heiffer.