Jordan refuses entry to Israeli ambassador until embassy guard stands trial
According to Jordanian media reports, Israeli Ambassador Einat Schlein and her diplomatic staff will not allowed to return to the kingdom until they receive guarantees the guard will stand trial.
In an interview with Arabic-language Sky News, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi criticized Israel's welcoming of the embassy guard back to Israel, saying, "shameful and unacceptable way to behave diplomatically."
The incident unfolded last Sunday when two Jordanian workers were installing furniture for the guard in his residence along with the guard's Jordanian landlord. At some point an argument broke out between 17-year-old Mohammed Jawawdeh and the guard.
According to the Jordanians, the argument was in connection with a delay in the work. At some point, Jawawdeh attacked the guard with a screwdriver, who in turn, drew his pistol and shot him. The landlord was struck by a stray round and later succumbed to his wounds.
Following a visit by Shin Bet director Nadav Argaman, the entire diplomatic staff returned to Israel via the Allenby Crossing.
The guard, known as 'Ziv,' was greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly upon his return from Amman. During the meeting, Ziv said, "A weight has been lifted from my heart. Thank you from my heart. I am happy to be here. Einat and I felt that people were standing behind us and were making every effort, we felt this and I am glad that we are here."
