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Jordan rejects Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa mosque compound

A bill before the Israeli Knesset would allow Jewish prayer at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and, if passed, inflame Israel-Jordan tensions.
Palestinian children have their picture taken in front of the Dome of the Rock on the compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old city, on the first day of Eid al-Adha October 15, 2013. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha to mark the end of the Haj by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (JERUSALEM - Tags: RELIGION) - RTX14BUK

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." 

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