Jordan announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations to address what Jordanian officials characterize as an escalating threat to Muslim control of religious sites in Jerusalem. The gathering, scheduled for midweek, was called in response to what Jordan describes as increasing incursions by Jewish religious groups at the compound containing al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
According to Jordanian accounts, more than 2,000 Israelis from religious movements, including settlers and led by Israel’s national security minister, entered the area on July 23, performing prayers and rituals throughout the compound. Jordanian officials characterized this as a severe breach of an agreement governing the site’s use. The location holds significant religious importance to multiple faith communities—Muslims consider it home to al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, while Jews regard it as the Temple Mount, site of two ancient temples. Under existing arrangements overseen by Jordan’s monarchy, Muslims maintain exclusive prayer rights at the compound, while Jews are permitted to pray at the Western Wall, a surviving structure from an ancient temple.
Jordan’s foreign minister stated that the country views these developments as a dangerous pattern requiring international attention. He warned that changes to the established arrangements could spark broader religious conflict affecting the entire Muslim world. Jordanian officials have also expressed concern about recruitment efforts for a specialized police unit focused on the Temple Mount and anticipate further challenges during major Jewish holidays later in the year, particularly given an ongoing Israeli election campaign.
Beyond the immediate religious site concerns, Jordan faces broader apprehensions regarding Israeli actions in the West Bank and water resource disputes. Jordanian officials have indicated that any mass displacement of Palestinians toward Jordan would constitute a crossing of critical boundaries. The country is also contending with reduced water supplies from Israel, a critical issue for one of the world’s most water-scarce nations. These developments have contributed to increased political pressure on Jordan’s government, with Islamist political movements gaining strength partly due to frustration over events affecting Palestinians in neighboring territories.
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