Jordan reprimands Israel envoy over Temple Mount riots
Amman says Israel's policy on east Jerusalem causing 'unnecessary turmoil,' claims Waqf director was 'humiliated' by police. Ambassador Rosen blames 'inciting elements'
Jordan reprimanded Israeli Ambassador Yaakov Rosen following Sunday morning's riots in Jerusalem's Old City, which erupted after local police closed the Temple Mount to visitors and Muslim worshippers for fear of violence.
Rosen was summoned Sunday evening to the Foreign Ministry in Amman, where a senior official also criticized him over Israel's continued construction in east Jerusalem and in areas surrounding the capital.
Khatib is the director of the Waqf, which is charged with day-to-day administration of the compound. Jordan said he was "humiliated." The Waqf director is considered by many to be Jordan's representative in the Old City.
Rally in Jordan against Israeli measures in Temple Mount (Photo: Reuters)
Jordan's criticism over the construction in east Jerusalem is usually conveyed behind closed doors, but a series of incidents at the Temple Mount have heightened tensions between the countries, which have been cooperating to advance the peace talks with the Palestinians and to bolster the "moderate front" in the face of threats from extremist elements, headed by Iran.
The head of the Jordanian Foreign Minister's bureau told Rosen that Israel was violating the law and that its actions were causing unnecessary turmoil. The Israeli ambassador blamed "inciting elements" for the violence at the Temple Mount.
Over the past few days a number of protests have been held in Lebanon, Gaza and Jordan against Israel's policy regarding the Muslim holy sites in east Jerusalem.
Jerusalem Police decided to keep the Temple Mount compound closed to visitors Monday.
The decision followed a security assessment held at the district's headquarters in the wake of Sunday's riots.
Nevertheless, police will allow Muslim Worshipers aged 50 and over and women of all ages, who carry Israeli IDs, to attend services.
