According to Israel Foreign Ministry officials, Jordan has imposed a number of new rules and restrictions on visiting Israelis. This includes a request that Israeli groups are escorted by Jordanian guides.

The ministry quotes cases in which Israelis requesting to enter the country, without a connection to the size of a group of their destination, were compelled to take a local guide from the bridge entry point. Without agreeing to such an arrangement they would not be permitted entry.

In line with the new regulations, any group of Israelis numbering six or more persons will have to have a local guide accompany it. This guide will be in constant contact with local tourism police. Those unwilling to agree will not be permitted to enter the country.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)