Jordanian leaders criticized the Palestinian Authority (PA) for rejecting the idea of installing security cameras at the Har Habayis, a solution that Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has agreed to in an effort to calm violence amid Palestinian allegations of Israel’s intentions to change the status quo at the holy site.
While the Jordanians argue that installing the cameras is about protecting the Al-Aqsa mosque by monitoring the site, PA officials have argued that Israel would use the cameras to arrest Palestinians “under the pretext of incitement,” reported the Jerusalem Post.
PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki called the idea of cameras, which was proposed under the direction of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, a “trap.” In response, the Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad quoted Jordanian politicians denouncing Maliki’s remarks as “inappropriate and unfair.”
“The cameras will document everything, including those who want to assault Palestinians or Israelis. The cameras will document anyone who caries out an assault or Jews who want to pray there,” said Jordanian politician Adnan Abu Odeh.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu told the Israeli Knesset that the Temple Mount “will be managed as it has been until now. The visits by Jews to the Temple Mount will be maintained; there will be no change, as with the prayer arrangements for the Muslims.”
“Israel has an interest in placing cameras around the Temple Mount,” said Netanyahu, in order to prove that it is not disturbing the status quo at the site.
JNS.ORG
{Matzav.com Israel}
