BICOM

Jordanian allegations that the status quo at the sensitive Temple Mount is being violated are unfounded, Israeli officials said yesterday.

They have reiterated Israel’s commitment to the current arrangements at Temple Mount, which is often a flashpoint for clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces and was the backdrop of tensions in October, during the start of the current wave of violence that left at least 31 Israelis killed. Having captured Jerusalem’s Old City during the 1967 Six Day War, Israel placed administration of the Temple Mount, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims, under the joint authority of Jordan’s government and the Jerusalem-based Islamic Waqf religious council. Although Jews are permitted to visit the site in small groups, they are not allowed to pray there for fear of subsequent violence.

Israel has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to upholding the status quo. However, Jordan’s Media Affairs Minister Muhammad al-Momani yesterday accused “Israeli settlers and police” of “violations against worshipers” and breaching international conventions, which he said could have “serious consequences.” Al-Momani did not specify his claims, but was likely referring to the increased number of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount during the current Passover holiday. Maariv reports that 842 people visited the Temple Mount yesterday, 638 of whom were tourists and that three were arrested for “disturbing the peace,” often a euphemism for Jewish prayer.

Responding to al-Momani’s claims, an official from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said, “There is no place for such a statement. Israel is acting responsibly and Jordan knows this.” Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin told Israel Radio that Israel’s policy is “very clear and very simple.” He explained, “We take great care to preserve the right of everyone to ascend to the Temple Mount. We do it in an orderly manner, in accordance with all the agreements.”

Last week, Jordan dropped a plan to oversee the instalment of cameras on the Temple Mount to monitor activity due to Palestinian objections. Israel says that it remains in favour of the scheme