Jordan: Authorities announce plans to reopen Israeli Embassy

Event

Israeli officials announced on Tuesday, January 30, that plans are underway for a gradual reopening of the Israeli Embassy in the Jordanian capital of Amman. The decision is the product of significant diplomatic negotiations between the two countries. The Israeli government has yet to announce a specific timeline for the embassy to become fully staffed.

Context

In July 2017, an Israeli security guard shot a local teen as he attempted to attack the guard with a screwdriver at the Israeli Embassy; a bystander was also shot and later succumbed to his wounds. The incident inflamed tensions between the two countries, leading to the closure of the embassy. The Israeli government has since issued a formal apology and offered compensation to the families of victims killed by an Israeli security guard in July 2017.

Advice

All those present in Amman are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to adhere to all instructions as issued by the local authorities, and to avoid any potential demonstrations.