Jordan: Temple Mount video cameras to be up ‘in days’
Israel wants cameras throughout the compound, including in Aqsa mosque; Amman insists only open areas will be filmed
AMMAN, Jordan — A government spokesman says Jordan will install cameras “within days” on the Temple Mount, a site holy to both Muslims and Jews that has been at the epicenter of tensions in recent months.
The surveillance was to have been set up months ago to lower friction that has contributed to an ongoing wave of violence, including Palestinian stabbing, shooting and vehicular ramming attacks and violent rioting in the West Bank.
Disagreement between Jordan and Israel over what the cameras can show apparently contributed to the delays.
Israel wants cameras installed everywhere in the compound, including in two mosques, to document alleged hoarding of stones by Palestinians for clashes with Israeli troops. Jordan, custodian of the shrine, only wants cameras in open areas to show alleged violations by Israeli security forces.
Government spokesman Mohammed Momani told Jordan TV late Friday that Jordan will stick to its plan and that cameras will be restricted to open areas.
Israel had no immediate comment.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.