Jordan Returns Ambassador to Israel as Tensions Ease at Holy Site

JERUSALEM — Jordan said on Monday that it was sending its ambassador back to Israel, three months after he was recalled in protest of what the Jordanians called Israeli violations at a contested holy site in East Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel welcomed the decision.

The decision to return the ambassador, Walid Obeidat, to the Jordanian Embassy in Tel Aviv reflected an easing of tensions and what both countries regard as the importance of the ties between them.

It also attested to the calm that has prevailed in recent weeks at the volatile Jerusalem site revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount.

He added that thousands of tourists and “small numbers” of Israelis have also visited the site during the week, but there have not been any recent, high-profile visits by Israeli leaders.

Still, the friction simmers. Mr. Rosenfeld said that a group of Arab women were escorted out of the compound by police two weeks ago after they shouted “Allahu akbar,” or “God is great,” presumably to disturb a visit by Israelis. Last week, Mr. Rosenfeld said, the police removed six Israeli men from the area after they strayed from the route designated for visitors.

Rana F. Sweis contributed reporting from Amman, Jordan

The New York Times