Jordan warned the incoming Israeli government against changing the status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that any such attempt would harm relations between the two states and with other countries in the region.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan quoted Jordanian officials as specifically mentioning far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish power) party, who has been visiting the holy site, which led to clashes with Muslim worshippers.
They accused Ben-Gvir of “making provocations” that would damage the ties between the neighboring countries if he continues to undermine the status quo as a future minister.
A coalition led by the right-wing former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has won a majority of seats in the 120-seat Knesset, allowing gun to return to power.
Reports have previously speculated that Netanyahu promised Ben-Gvir the position of Public Security Minister.
Ben Gvir visiting the site and “making provocations” would be a whole different story if he does so as a government minister, the channel quoted the Jordanian sources as saying.
“If, in his capacity as minister, Ben Gvir were to commit other acts of provocation,” the sources warned, “the consequences would be alarming.”
The sources said that they hoped that Netanyahu is aware of the importance of relations with Jordan, which - they noted – “is the country with the longest border with Israel.”
Ben Gvir and others in the Religious Zionism-Otzma Yehudit alliance have long pushed for changes to the status quo, under which only Muslims are allowed to worship within the compound while Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there.
In recent years, they have visited in ever-increasing numbers with police escorts and many have discreetly prayed, angering the Palestinians as well as Jordan.
The Palestinians have long feared that Israel plans to eventually take over the site or partition it.
These warnings came in light of Israeli reports that indicate Ben Gvir’s willingness to push the army and police against the Palestinians, tighten measures against prisoners, and allow Jews to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque without any restrictions.
Jordan is custodian of the Temple Mount, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and other holy sites in Jerusalem under a previous Jordanian-Israel agreement and a Palestinian mandate for the Jordanian king as the guardian of the holy sites.
