Jordan warns Israel on Islamic shrine

• Tweet

AMMAN, Jordan, July 25 (UPI) -- Jordan Sunday warned Israel against possible attacks by Jewish extremists on Jerusalem's al-Haram al-Sharif, one of Islam's holiest shrines.

The Ha'aretz news service said Israeli security officials are concerned right-wing extremists might plot an attack on the site, which Jews call Temple Mount, as a way to hinder Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip,

Jordanian Government Spokeswoman Asma Khader told United Press International the Israeli government, as an occupying force, is responsible for the security and protection of religious sites in Jerusalem.

Ha'aretz said security officials fear possible actions might include an attempt to crash a drone aircraft packed with explosives on the Temple Mount or, perhaps, a manned suicide attack with a light airplane during Muslim worship at the site.

The officials said extremely tight security in that area would make it virtually impossible to attack the site using conventional methods.

Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994.