Israel working ‘to send conciliatory messages’ as Jordan seethes over Smotrich’s map

In the face of Jordanian anger over Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s declaration in Paris that the Palestinian people are an invention — made alongside a map showing “Greater Israel” containing modern-day Jordan — an Israeli diplomat tells The Times of Israel that Jerusalem “understands Jordanian sensitivities.”

“We are working to send conciliatory messages,” says the official. “Israel’s connection with Jordan is crucial for regional calm and stability.”

“They have gotten their message across,” the official continues, stressing that the Foreign Ministry is working “based on the government decision to strengthen ties with Jordan because they are important.”

Also today, Jordan’s parliament recommends expelling Israel’s ambassador, a largely symbolic move that Amman is unlikely to approve. Parliamentarians display a map of modern Israel and Jordan emblazoned with a mashup of the Palestinian and Jordanian flags.

התגובה לסמוטריץ': מפת "ארץ ישראל השלמה" נתלתה בפרלמנט הירדני | כל הפרטים >>> https://t.co/8vYieCD6Jn@HaimOmri @gal_sade pic.twitter.com/riyTAM23jQ

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 22, 2023