The United States and Israel are reportedly working actively to remove the historical guardianship of Jordan over the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, according to information cited by Middle East Eye, by promoting a new management framework that would align closely with Israeli interests. Diplomatic sources from the US, Jordan, Palestine, as well as Western and Arab Gulf countries, report that Jared Kushner and the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, are at the center of the initiative, even though the former does not hold an official government role.
Proposal for a new status at Al-Aqsa Mosque
According to the same sources, the proposal calls for the termination of the role of the Islamic Waqf, which is supported by Jordan, and the creation of a new body by the Israeli government. The new entity would characterize the Al-Aqsa Mosque as a "multi-religious center," allowing—according to the plan—"equal access" for Jewish visitors and an official possibility for group prayer. At the same time, Israel would have a significant role in appointing imams, preachers, and senior religious officials, as well as controlling the content of Friday sermons, potentially undermining the current management.
US plans for the future use of the site
Two American officials reportedly told Middle East Eye that a relevant document has been drafted regarding the future of the mosque. According to the same information, the possibility is being considered of stripping the Al-Aqsa Mosque of its exclusively Islamic character and converting it into a tourist spot with an interfaith identity, which would host all three Abrahamic religions.
Proposal for "rotating" oversight by Arab countries
A Western source and a source briefed by the Jordanian government stated that an alternative scenario of "rotating" oversight of the site by Arab states is being examined. According to the information, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates have been informed of the American proposal. Conversely, Gulf sources report that Saudi Arabia opposes the plan, signaling significant regional divisions.
Reactions and diplomatic tensions
The proposal has caused intense concern in Jordan, which considers its guardianship of the Al-Aqsa Mosque fundamental to the stability and legitimacy of its presence in Jerusalem. Mustafa Abu Sway, deputy head of the Waqf council, characterized the Hashemite Custodianship as a "pillar of stability in the region," noting that its weakening would have serious repercussions for peace and regional security.
The historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque has operated for decades under a special status, known as the status quo, according to which the exclusively Islamic character of the site is maintained. After the 1967 war, it was agreed that Jordan, through the Islamic Waqf, would manage the interior of the complex, while Israel maintains responsibility for external security. Access to non-Muslims is permitted at specific times, without the right to prayer, preserving the delicate balance of the site.
Concerns for Christian holy sites
According to the same sources, the proposed plan does not clarify the status of Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Ascension, a fact which causes additional concerns regarding the future of all religious landmarks in the city.
Diplomatic balances in the region
Several Arab sources estimate that Jordan may seek broader regional support to prevent any change to the status quo. At the same time, it is noted that the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain maintain close relations with Israel, a fact that complicates the diplomatic balances. Middle East Eye notes that it requested comment from several foreign ministries in the region without receiving a response by the time of publication. Following the report's release, a US official denied that the US government is working to remove Jordanian guardianship, labeling the report "completely false."
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