Israel’s recent move to bar a high-ranking Arab diplomatic delegation from entering Ramallah drew harsh criticism from Jordan on Saturday, according to Arab News. The delegation had intended to meet with Palestinian Authority officials but was denied access by Israeli authorities.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry issued a forceful rebuke, characterizing Israel’s decision as a “blatant violation” of its duties as an occupying force. The ministry further accused the Israeli leadership of acting with “arrogance” and of flouting international norms.
The delegation, created as part of a joint Arab-Islamic summit focused on the Gaza conflict, canceled its planned visit after the denial. It included foreign ministers from several key nations in the region: Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
“It reflects the extent of the Israeli government’s arrogance, its disregard for international law, and its continued illegitimate measures and policies that besiege the brotherly Palestinian people and their legitimate leadership, perpetuate the occupation, and undermine the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace,” Jordan’s foreign ministry declared in its statement.
The visit was meant to advance diplomatic discussions around Palestinian statehood. However, Israeli officials rejected the initiative outright, warning of dangerous consequences.
“Such a state would undoubtedly become a terrorist state in the heart of the land of Israel. Israel will not cooperate with such moves aimed at harming it and its security,” an Israeli official stated.
The group of diplomats was to be headed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Prior to the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, Israel and Saudi Arabia were actively exploring steps toward normalizing relations. That process was suspended after the attack, halting U.S.-brokered talks between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia is now shifting its focus toward international diplomacy regarding the Palestinian issue. Alongside France, it is set to co-host a major conference next month at the United Nations in New York aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated in April that France could move to formally recognize a Palestinian state as early as June.
Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu strongly condemned the French proposal, telling Macron that “this would constitute a huge prize for terrorism.”

{Matzav.com Israel}