ammonnews.net

Ammon News -

Trip might be canceled for the fourth time due to crisis with Jordan and hospitalization of Netanyahu's wife Sara for appendicitis, Jerusalem post reported.

Jordan is blocking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned flight from entering its airspace, a senior diplomatic source said on Thursday, Jerusalem post reported.

“Netanyahu’s departure is delayed because there is no authorization of the flight path by the Jordanians at this time,” the diplomatic source said. “The assessment is that this delay, revealed shortly before the flight, is because of the cancellation of the Jordanian crown price’s visit to the Temple Mount yesterday, because of a dispute over security arrangements.”, Jerusalem post said.

Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah had planned to visit the Al-Aksa Mosque on the Temple Mount on Wednesday, following ongoing talks between with Israel over his security.

However, the prince arrived at the border with Israel with more armed guards than Israel had authorized. The additional guards were not permitted to enter Israel, and Prince Hussein canceled his visit, Jerusalem post reported.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on Wednesday that Netanyahu's poor relationship with Jordanian King Abdullah is "the failure of the Netanyahu government in all of its 15 years.”

"The strategic rift in relations between Israel and Jordan [is] precisely because of Netanyahu," he said.

Israeli-Jordanian ties have been strained during Netanyahu's tenure, but as of late, they have warmed slightly. Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi has met three times with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, and Defense Minister Benny Gantz reportedly met with Jordanian King Abdullah, according to Jerusalem post.

Earlier Thursday, Netanyahu considered canceling his trip after his wife, Sarah Netanyahu, was hospitalized with appendicitis.

Sarah Netanyahu felt unwell late Wednesday night and went to Hadassah Ein Kerem, where she was diagnosed with appendicitis, and will remain in the hospital for several days. Netanyahu accompanied his wife to the hospital.

*JP