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A proposal to end Jordan’s custodianship of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque and replace it with a new Israeli-controlled administration has gained significant momentum, with reports emerging of secret US-Israeli diplomatic efforts to push the plan forward. The proposed plan aims to expand Jewish prayer access to the sacred site, a move likely to face opposition from Arab and Muslim leaders.
According to sources cited by Middle East Eye (MEE), the US and Israeli governments are working to establish a new, multi-faith administration to oversee the management of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is currently under the custodianship of the Jordanian government. The move is seen as a significant escalation in Israel’s effort to assert control over the mosque and expand Jewish access to the holy site.
Under the proposed plan, Israel would assume a significant role in the administration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, influencing the selection of leadership and shaping the content of Friday sermons, which are a critical part of Islamic worship. The move would likely further heighten tensions in the already volatile region, where Arab and Muslim leaders have historically opposed Israeli control over Islamic holy sites.
The proposal is part of a broader effort by the US government to promote peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. However, many Arab and Muslim leaders see the plan as an attempt to weaken Jordan’s influence in Jerusalem and undermine the status quo at the mosque.
Jordan has long been responsible for the administration and maintenance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is situated on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. The site is considered the third-holiest in Islam and is a deeply revered location for Jews. However, Israeli control over the area has led to repeated conflicts between Arab and Jewish worshippers.
The proposed plan has sparked widespread concerns among Arab and Muslim leaders, who fear that it will lead to the erosion of Islamic control over the mosque. “This is a clear challenge to the historic and Islamic status quo in Jerusalem,” said a senior Arab diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will do everything in our power to prevent this move from happening.”
The proposal is likely to face significant opposition from Arab and Muslim leaders, who will likely lobby international bodies, including the United Nations, to reject the plan. However, the US and Israeli governments appear determined to push the plan forward, despite the expected backlash.
As tensions escalate, the international community is watching developments closely, with many analysts warning that a resolution to the dispute over Al-Aqsa Mosque could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.