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Jordan Opens Consulate in Western Sahara

The foreign ministers of Morocco and Jordan at the inauguration. (Morocco Foreign Ministry)
The foreign ministers of Morocco and Jordan at the inauguration. (Morocco Foreign Ministry)
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Jordan Opens Consulate in Western Sahara

The foreign ministers of Morocco and Jordan at the inauguration. (Morocco Foreign Ministry)
The foreign ministers of Morocco and Jordan at the inauguration. (Morocco Foreign Ministry)

Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi opened on Thursday his country’s consulate in Laayoune in Morocco’s western Sahara region.

The move makes the consulate the 20th mission to be opened in the region in two years.

Safadi and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita were at the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by various local officials.

Bourita said that the decision by Jordan’s King Abdullah II to open the consulate in Laayoune demonstrates Amman’s support for Rabat and all the measures it takes to protect its national interests, territorial unity and security.

Jordan and Morocco have now opened a new chapter in their historic relations, he added.

Moreover, he said that the opening of consulates and diplomatic missions in the Sahara reflects international support to Morocco’s position in this regional dispute.

Bourita expressed Rabat’s determination to move forward to develop Jordanian-Moroccan relations” so that they can become an example for what inter-Arab ties should be.”

For his part, Safadi said the opening of the consulate in Laayoune is a reflection of the firm relations between the two kingdoms.

He stressed that they share a “united vision” towards regional issues, among which the Palestinian cause is a top priority.

“We are working with Morocco to achieve fair and permanent peace in the region,” he stated.

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‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
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‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

A report published by The Wall Street Journal, and promoted by Israeli media on Sunday, has renewed focus on an Israeli plan dating back more than 60 years aimed at pushing for the creation of “emirates” or entities independent from the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The report focused on the Palestinian city of Hebron, and cited what it claimed were “21 tribal elders from Hebron,” who allegedly sent a letter in Hebrew to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for negotiations with them to join the Abraham Accords and consequently abandon the “two-state solution,” which Palestinians rely on to establish their state.

However, a Palestinian security source, in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, said: “What is happening is yet another Israeli attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority.”

“This is a failed plan,” he said: “No one here would dare take this step and say: I am the spy... I am the alternative to the Authority ... Those who tried that are known and represent no one.”

Reportedly, the elders included a detailed proposed timetable for talks to join the Abraham Accords and for “a fair and decent arrangement that would replace the Oslo Accords, which only brought damage, death, economic disaster and destruction.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, the initiative was helmed by Wadee al-Jaabari, who local city residents and its political leadership claim is unknown to them, and backed by "four other leading Hebron sheikhs.”

Palestinian city residents, including Jaabari's extended family members, condemned the proposal, saying that its authors do not represent them.

Israeli sources said that Economy Minister Nir Barkat stands behind the letter, which was allegedly sent to him. Barkat met at his home with al-Jaabari and the other sheikhs; he has held more than 12 meetings with them since February, The Wall Street Journal said. They asked him to forward the letter to Netanyahu and are now waiting for his response.

The sheikhs reportedly proposed that Israel grant work permits to 1,000 workers from Hebron on a trial basis, and then extend this to another 5,000.

According to Maariv newspaper, the Israeli government is “seeking to promote this plan to destroy the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a Palestinian state.”