As tensions continue to mount surrounding Har Habayis, senior Trump aide Jason Greenblatt is reportedly returning to the area, expected to arrive on Monday. The White House is hoping that Greenblatt will be able to lower tensions and bring a halt to what could escalate to an explosive situation surrounding Har Habayis.

At the heart of the conflict is Israel’s placement of metal detectors on Har Habayis, a move being interpreted as Israeli sovereignty over the site, which is claimed by Muslims. Jordan, the PA (Palestinian Authority) and others are capitalizing on the situation, and in fact, Jordan is demanding the Israeli Embassy in Aman security agent who shot his attacker dead after being stabbed, be handed over for questioning and to stand trial. The Jordanians have the agent and other staff members locked down in the Aman embassy, not permitting his return to Israel for medical treatment.

The US continues to monitor the situation, as well as expressing concerns. For now, the Israeli cabinet has decided the metal detectors installed on Har Habayis will remain despite many Muslims refusing to visit and be subjected to passing through the inspection stations. The detectors were installed following the Friday Muslim terror attack that claimed the lives of two policemen and left a third wounded. The Waqf Authority continues doing its best to ensure the matter of the metal detectors remains an international mater, continuing to call for protests and unrests to pressure Israel to back down and remove them.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)