King meets Israeli defence minister, urges respecting Muslims’ right to worship at Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met with Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz, as part of His Majesty’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to create horizons for just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, respect the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, and safeguard the rights of worshippers in Ramadan.

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah reiterated that maintaining calm requires respecting the rights of Muslims to worship at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, removing any impediments that prevent them from praying there, and stopping provocations that could lead to escalation, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty stressed the importance of stepping up efforts to relaunch serious and effective negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis to achieve peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, noting the need to stop all measures that undermine prospects of achieving peace.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attended the meeting.

The King had also discussed these ongoing diplomatic efforts and the issues they cover during a meeting on Monday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, in line with ongoing coordination and consultation between the two sides.

Also on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held a bilateral meeting with Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz prior to the meeting with His Majesty, with Safadi reiterating the need to create political and economic horizons that meet the economic and livelihood needs of the Palestinian people.

Safadi stressed that resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the foundation for reaching comprehensive peace in the region.