Discussions are reportedly taking place between US and Israeli officials over proposals that could alter Jordan’s long-standing custodianship of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The reported proposals involve restructuring the administration of the site, currently overseen by the Jordan-backed Islamic Waqf, and expanding arrangements related to Jewish access and prayer at the compound. The site is considered Islam’s third-holiest location and remains one of the most sensitive religious and political areas in the region.
Jordan has maintained custodianship over Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem for decades, with the role formally recognised under the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel. Jordanian officials have repeatedly warned that any change to the historical status quo at Al-Aqsa could increase tensions across the region.
Palestinian officials have also expressed concern that altering the current arrangements in occupied East Jerusalem could trigger unrest. Regional diplomats are said to view Jordan’s custodianship as an important factor in maintaining stability around the holy site. Neither US nor Israeli officials have publicly confirmed the reported discussions.
