Turkey is trying to extend its sphere of influence to East Jerusalem, according to a report Thursday, causing alarm in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority.
Amman, Riyadh and Ramallah are concerned that the move is an attempt by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to claim he is the custodian of the Muslim sites in the city, weakening Jordanian and Saudi claims and positioning him to better challenge Israel, the Haaretz daily reports.
For over a year, Turkish Islamic associations have sponsored activities and trips for thousands of people in East Jerusalem, the paper reports, and has been able to influence protests over the Temple Mount in the capital.
Israeli security officials tell Haaretz that they are aware of Turkish involvement, and are following the situation closely.
Jordan reportedly began expressing its concern over a year ago and accused the Israeli government of “being asleep at the wheel.” The Jordanians claim that after Israel signed a reconciliation deal with Turkey in 2016 it was afraid of confrontation with Erdogan.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, June 28, 2018
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