Jordan MPs vote to expel Israeli envoy

(MENAFN-Arab News) AMMAN: Jordan's Parliament voted unanimously to expel the Israeli ambassador and recall its own envoy on Wednesday, a day after Israeli lawmakers debated a proposal to take over a Jerusalem holy site administered by Jordanians

The vote by acclamation in Jordan's 150-seat Parliament is not binding to the Cabinet, which is keen to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel and, according to an official who spoke anonymously because of the issue's sensitivity, plans no action before the Knesset debate concludes. Israeli lawmakers have not voted on the issue and it is unlikely to pass as the majority does not want to antagonize Muslims

The discussion was initiated by the Likud Party's Moshe Feiglin, who proposed the Jewish state wrest control from Jordan the Al-Aqsa compound housing shrines revered by Muslims. Jordan was given a "special" role over the area in a 1994 peace treaty with Israel

The compound, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, is Islam's third holiest site after Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. It contains the Dome of the Rock, which enshrines the rock where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascended to heaven.