Jordan: US Embassy suspends routine services Dec. 6

Event

On Wednesday, December 6, the US Embassy in Amman announced that routine public services have been temporarily suspended following President Donald Trump's recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel. The Embassy also advised US nationals to limit public movements and for children to not attend school on December 7. All travel by Embassy personnel has been prohibited until further notice.

Protests and subsequent transportation disruptions are to be expected, and associated violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

On Wednesday, December 6, President Trump announced that the US officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country has an embassy in Jerusalem. World leaders have strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world.

The US Congress passed a law in 1995 stipulating that the US Embassy in Israel be moved to Jerusalem by May 1999; US Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama all issued waivers every six months to delay the move throughout their respective tenures.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all public demonstrations due to the high risk of violence. Be aware that anti-American and anti-Western sentiment will likely surge in some areas; it is advisable to maintain a low profile and avoid discussing sensitive topics.