PA-Jordan coordination takes shape in wake of Al-Aqsa crisis

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordanian King Abdullah II in Ramallah Aug. 7 has led to the formation of a joint crisis committee. The committee will be in charge of strengthening political coordination between the two countries, consolidating their positions on issues of common concern and addressing conflicts that erupt in the West Bank, most importantly the renewed crisis at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Mahmoud al-Habash, the president's adviser for religious affairs who also attended the meeting, told Al-Monitor, “The magnitude of the challenges imposed on us as Palestinians and Jordanians — most importantly the Israeli occupation’s measures in Jerusalem that affect the Jordanian guardianship of the holy sites — requires coordination between our field, political and legal positions.” He explained that the crisis committee “will include sub-committees of a high-level political nature from both sides, under the supervision of political leaders, to coordinate and consult in all situations, in addition to enhancing coordination between the two governments.”

Habash stated, “King Abdullah’s visit to Ramallah wrecked Israel’s attempts to create a rift between Palestinians and Jordan during Al-Aqsa events,” adding, “We and Jordan have one position and a single vision. Coordination between us is at its highest levels. The king's visit represented a declaration of absolute support for the Palestinian leadership, represented by President Abbas.”

Abdullah’s visit to Ramallah, the first of its kind since 2012 and the fifth since he took the throne in 1999, was intended to show Israel that Jordan supports the Palestinian Authority and Abbas as well as the decisions he made during the recent Al-Aqsa incidents. Palestinian officials deny Israeli reports that Abbas is besieged and being prevented from leaving the West Bank.