KING: JORDAN MAY BRING MUGHRABI GATE TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 002632

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR IO, NEA/ELA AND NEA/IPA
PARIS ALSO FOR USMISSION TO UNESCO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2018
TAGS: PREL SCUL UNESCO KWBG IS JO
SUBJECT: KING: JORDAN MAY BRING MUGHRABI GATE TO
INTERNATIONAL ARENA

REF: A. TEL AVIV 2043

B. AMMAN 2483

C. AMMAN 2453

D. AMMAN 2147

E. AMMAN 1998

F. AMMAN 1483

G. AMMAN 536

H. AMMAN 394

Classified By: Ambassador R. Stephen Beecroft,
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) King Abdullah voiced his concerns to Ambassador on
September 7 about Israel's plans for a new ascent to the
Mughrabi Gate entrance to the Temple Mount/Haram Al-Sharif.
Repeating and emphasizing points that Jordanian officials
have raised with increasing urgency over the past few weeks
(reftels),the King highlighted his special responsibilities
regarding Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, and said he could
not be seen to abdicate that custodial role. He described
the situation as "volatile" and stressed that Israel must
adhere to the multilateral process (i.e., work through
UNESCO). The King said Jordan will look into all possible
legal international avenues if Israel seeks to move forward
unilaterally.


2. (C) Comment: In the absence of visible progress in the
peace process, the King sees Israeli unilateralism on this
issue as exacerbating an already tense regional situation.
Furthermore, his status as custodian of the Haram Al-Sharif
provides a significant boost to his internal legitimacy and,
consequently, a vulnerability if he is seen as unable to
influence Israeli actions. The GOJ has no desire to see
damage done to its relations with Israel, but the Mughrabi
Gate issue may well be one that the King feels he simply
cannot let pass without a strong, and visible, response. End
Comment.

Visit Amman's Classified Website at
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Beecroft