Jordan’s Prince Hashem visits Temple Mount
Israeli security officials escort Hussien during surprise tour
Aaron Kalman is a former writer and breaking news editor for the Times of Israel
Jordanian prince Hashem, escorted by Israeli security officials and police, came for a surprise visit at the Temple Mount on Wednesday.
Hashem, the half-brother of King Abdullah II, entered the holy site through the Mughrabi Bridge, a wooden bridge that came under international focus in December when Israel announced it would close the bridge due to safety concerns. Shortly after the decision, Jordan became heavily involved in talks trying to make sure the bridge remained open.
According to Maariv, the surprise visit might have to do with further Jordanian involvement in the planned renovation of the bridge.
The prince was scheduled to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs later on Wednesday, but that plan was cancelled due to the tensions in Hebron over the eviction of settlers from the Beit Hamachpela building.
The Times of Israel Community.