Jordan warns of imminent Israeli takeover of Jerusalem site
Jordan has warned that an Israeli takeover of one of Jerusalem’s most important Muslim sites is imminent and could trigger a religious conflict, reports BritPanorama.
The Jordanian government is set to convene an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from the Arab and Islamic world on Wednesday, aiming to address repeated incursions by Jewish religious extremists into the al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock compound.
Foreign Minister Ayman Sadafi stated, “This is a constant threat, a dangerous threat that we’re trying to counter in every tool that we have possible. We warn that tampering with the status quo … could trigger a religious conflict that will reverberate beyond Palestine and Jordan into the whole Muslim world.”
Israeli hardline ministers, such as police minister Itamar Ben Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, have frequently advocated for the Israeli state to take control of the site, known to Jews as Temple Mount, suggesting that a synagogue be constructed on its grounds.
On 23 July, Ben Gvir was seen joining thousands of Jewish extremists as they stormed the site, escorted by police, while praying, waving Israeli flags, and singing the national anthem. This has been described by Amman as “a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque, an escalation, a barbaric act, and unacceptable provocation.”
Jordan has maintained custodianship of the site for over 100 years, with Israel committing to uphold that agreement through a 1994 peace treaty. However, the longstanding status quo, managed by Jordan’s Hashemite royal family, is under serious threat. This year, numerous Muslim mosque staff have had their entry permits revoked, and an Imam was arrested by Israeli police during Friday prayers, alongside escalating incursions by Jewish groups.
Wednesday’s meeting will include foreign ministers from Arab League nations, along with representatives from Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, Mr. Safadi confirmed. “Jerusalem is a tinderbox,” he noted. “We’re trying to explain the danger. We’re protesting legally. We are trying to create awareness of the imminent danger in the continuation of those Israeli measures.”
Concerns are rising within Amman about a potential escalation of Israel’s ethnic cleansing campaign in the West Bank ahead of the October elections. With the possibility of an ousting of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, elements of the far-right may seek to implement significant and lasting changes.
Mr. Safadi also expressed fears regarding the mass deportation of Palestinians from the West Bank, which could lead to an influx of refugees into Jordan, thereby heightening instability. “Our position that this is a red line that we will not allow to be crossed. We have made that known to everybody that we will do whatever it takes to prevent any attempt at Israeli displacement of Palestinians into Jordan,” he added.
He emphasized, “Not only will that be a violation of international law and of the right of the Palestinians to stay on their land, but that will also be a tremendous escalation.”
