A disagreement between Jordan and Israel was triggered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a scheduled visit by Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah to Al-Aqsa Mosque after learning that the prince might be meeting with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, reports in Tel Aviv said on Friday.
Informed political sources said Netanyahu was upset after finding out that the Prince refused to meet with him or any minister of his cabinet.
The PM therefore responded by changing the security measures of the visit, without coordinating with Jordanian security apparatuses.
Reports in Tel Aviv said Jordan was upset and the Prince decided to return to Amman despite arriving at the Allenby Bridge border crossing with Israel.
This promoted Amman to stop Netanyahu’s aircraft to cross its airspace on route to Abu Dhabi.
The Israeli PM had said at a news conference that his planned visit to the UAE on Thursday had not taken place due to a "misunderstanding” with Jordan.
A statement issued by Netanyahu's office said he and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to reschedule their meeting.
Commenting on the latest developments, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who enjoyed special relations with Amman, said, “Jordan is Israel’s strategic partner.”
He accused Netanyahu of severely damaging relations with Jordan.
“I personally and the entire defense establishment will continue to work to strengthen relations with Jordan,” Gantz tweeted on Friday.
