Middle East: Jordan Votes To Expel Israeli Ambassador

by Benson Agoha

Jordanian MPs voted in large numbers today to seek the expulsion of Israel's Ambassor from the country.

The move, which was supported by the majority of the MPs was carried out following Israel's parliament debate in the Knesset over the Temple Mount, a volatile part of Jerusalem, claimed by both Israel and Palestine.

The Temple Mounth was the location of Solomon's Temple. After it was destroyed, the Jews left it undeveloped for a long time, before Arabs built the Al-Aqsa mosque on the site.

The Al-Aqsa site lies in Jerusalem’s Old City and is a flashpoint because of its significance to both Muslims and Jews. It is also Judaism’s holiest place, being the site of the first and second Jewish temples. It sit above the Western Wall plaza, and houses the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosques. It is considered by Muslims as Islam’s third-holiest site.

It has remained disputed with Israel seeking to assert their authority over the mount while, Palestinians say it is their future capital.

On Tuesday, major Israeli newspapers reported the outbreak of violence following rumours that Israel planned to hoist its flag over the area.

Haaretz newspaper reported that more than a dozen people were hurt during the face off between Israeli Police and the Palestinians as lawmakers prepare to debate Israel's sovereignty over the site regarded by both sides as holy.

Haaretz said "some 50 protesters camped out overnight at the compound after rumors that ultra-Orthodox Jews planned to hoist the Israeli flag on the platform."

"The clashes came as the Knesset prepared to debate a demand by far-right MK Moshe Feiglin (Likud) that calls for Israel to "realize its sovereignty on the Temple Mount," Haaretz Newspaper reported.

According to The Times of Israel, 86 out of 150 members of the Jordanian parliament voted in favour of seeking the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador, Daniel Nevo.

"All deputies who attended a meeting today to discuss Israel’s debate on sovereignty over Al-Aqsa voted to kick out the Israeli envoy and recall the Jordanian ambassador in Israel (Walid Obeidat),” Khalil Attieh, deputy for the Lower House of the Jordan's Parliament reportedly told the media.

But analysist believe the move by the Jordanian lawmakers will not sail through, as it still has to be ratified by the government.

But the lawmakers are prepared to consider other options, if the motion fails.

“This was in protest at the Knesset debate. It is up to the government to act on the vote. If it does not, we will consider a no-confidence motion,” Attieh said.

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