Jordanian-Israeli ties, always under pressure, could be heading for trouble if the Knesset approves a controversial bill to divide Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem, allowing Jews to pray in the Muslim compound. The bill was drafted by Israeli Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan and was rejected by Arab Knesset members, who warned that if passed, the law could lead to the eruption of a third intifada.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Jordan Times reported that Amman had rejected a request by Israeli authorities to allow Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa mosque compound. It quoted Abdul Nasser Nasser, the Jordanian adviser for Islamic and Christian religious affairs in Jerusalem, as saying, "Jordanian officials have refused an Israeli request to allow Jewish prayer stretching from the ablution fountain to the main door to Al-Aqsa mosque."