Jordan has prevented the return of the Israeli diplomatic staff to the Israeli Embassy in Amman following the shooting incident involving an embassy security agent that left two Jordanians dead. Jordan is waiting to hear the outcome of Israel’s investigation into the shooting incident.

Interestingly, PA (Palestinian Authority) officials are demanding the immediate reopening of the Embassy as hundreds of Jordanian passports remain in the embassy, passports that were being reviewed for entry to Israel. When the shooting occurred and embassy staff left, the passports were left in the building, which remains closed as Jordanian officials will not permit the return of the ambassador and his staff.

King Abdullah on Monday flew to Ramallah to meet with PA Chairman Abbas and while it was reported the will discuss matter dealing with Har Habayis and Jerusalem, the matter of the embassy reopening may be on the agenda as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)