Jordanian King in Ramallah
Jordanian King in RamallahReuters

Jordan’s King Abdullah arrived in Ramallah this morning, Monday, where he was welcomed by PA leader Mahmoud Abbas in a ceremony at the PA headquarters.

According to Yediot Ahronot, Jordanian officials indicated ahead of the visit that Abdullah intends to speak with Abbas about policy regarding, among other things, developments related to the Temple Mount. Abdullah is expected to first hold a private conversation with Abbas in his office, after which the two will be joined by senior Jordanian and PA officials for a more general meeting.

The visit comes in the wake of growing tensions between Israel and Jordan, after an Israeli security official at Israel’s embassy in Jordan shot and killed an attacking terrorist on the embassy premises, and after the “Temple Mount crisis” which centered around Israel’s placement of security measures on the Temple Mount.

On Sunday, Abdullah spoke about the “peace process” between Israel and the PA, claiming that there would be no breakthrough in negotiations if there was no US commitment to supporting a solution to the “Palestinian issue.” Within this context, he called for more intensive work with the US administration.

"Without the Hashemite custodianship and the steadfastness of the Jerusalemites, the holy sites would have been lost many years ago. Our success requires one to stand with the Palestinian brothers, so that our cause won't be weakened and our rights are maintained," he told members of the Lower House of Parliament, according to a report in the official Petra news agency.