T. Belman. I was informed by my sources that everything is going according to plan.
The two men discussed regional issues, in particular strategic, security and economic cooperation between the countries.
Jordan’s King Abdullah meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2014. Photo by Kobi Gideon/GPO.
(January 24, 2023 / JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced trip to Jordan on Tuesday to meet with King Abdullah II.
The two leaders discussed regional issues, in particular strategic, security and economic cooperation between Israel and Jordan.
They praised the long-standing friendship and partnership between the countries, which contributes to stability in the Middle East.
Ties between Israel and Jordan have been strained over the years.
Most recently, Amman reacted furiously when earlier this month Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Jordan denounced Ben-Gvir “in the severest of terms [for] the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and violation of its sanctity,” despite the Israeli minister not having approached the mosque.
Abdullah said in December that he was ready for a conflict should Israel’s new government violate “red lines” by changing the dynamics governing relations at Jerusalem’s holy sites.
“We have to be concerned about [the] next intifada [Palestinian terror war],” Abdullah said in an interview with CNN, adding, “If that happens, that’s a complete breakdown of law and order and one that neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians will benefit from. I think there is a lot of concern from all of us in the region, including those in Israel that are on our side on this issue, to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Jordan has since long had the status of custodian of Muslim and Christian holy sites in the Israeli capital, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Tensions were raised again last week when Jordanian Ambassador to Israel Ghassan Majali was delayed while attempting to ascend the Temple Mount.
According to police, Majali showed up at the site without prior coordination and was not immediately recognized by officers, causing a “very small” delay while authorities looked into the matter.
He subsequently walked off angrily, before returning to visit the holy site later in the day.
Jordan summoned Israeli Ambassador to Amman Eitan Surkis over the incident.
So long as Abdullah refuses to accept reality (by calling Ben-Gvir’s peaceful visit “storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque and violating its sanctity”) and common sense (the so-called status quo on the Temple Mount has been continually violated by Arabs, not Jews or Christians, and this outrage will obviously continue as long as the Jordanian Waqf remains the sole custodian on the Temple Mount), Bibi should realize Abdullah is a compulsive liar and, therefore, should have no say on any matters concerning the Temple Mount until such time as Abdullah is willing to accept reality and to negotiate a compromise solution in good faith.
The fact that Abdullah fears an insurrection by the Palestinians living in Jordan if he does not support their intolerant positions has no bearing on his lack of credibility as a suitable negotiating partner.
Wonder if they met to discuss the Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine solution – in particular the clause in the revised plan dealing with the formal renunciation of Jerusalem by the Arabs while giving the Holy Places special status? Maybe a friendly tête-à-tête about how Judea and Samaria (West Bank) could be divided between Israel and the newly created Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine.
Bet not one reporter will put these questions to either Bibi or King Abdullah.
Certainly no analyst would care to express an opinion since all of these “experts” don’t even acknowledge that a plan called the Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine even exists. What a rod they have caused for their backs.
The present ugly structure of mosque removed because it represents the cruel Islamic conquest in many countries (not least India).
The area returned to greenery including protected animals.
Heavily protected by force and nature lovers.
Covered by soil and nature and held for archaeology with results published in peer review documentation of our human past.
@Stevenl Not practical. Israel should have sole custody of the Mount. The tiny Muslim areas should be cordoned off and Muslims should administer that subject to Israeli security considerations. If Jews are denied access to Muslim areas, Muslims should be denied access to Jewish areas. Human rights should be a negotiated quid pro quo like the Red Cross agreements for prisoners of war during WWII. None of this, we will be moral and judge you later. Most of the Nazis got away scot free. Usually works that way. No incentive for them to behave like civilized human beings otherwise.
Can Bibi really trust KA?
Joined custody by the three faiths is the only tolerable position.