There’s something about the Ark’s recovery that ties into the end of days prophecy from what I remember. I think they’re avoiding enticing Iran’s whacko President for the time being.
As a theologian, the importance of the Ark is that if it is found it would be cause to rebuild the Temple on the Mount for its housing. That would precipitate events that would start the clock ticking toward the Apocalypse and Armageddon.
That is one interpretation. There are others. You decide.
by a M.Div grad
"Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land," declares the LORD, "men will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts." Jeremiah 3:15-17 (emphasis mine).