Jordan will not allow Israel to violate its airspace sovereignty — Judeh

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Tuesday stressed that Israel will not be able to operate its planned airport near the border with Aqaba without Jordan's technical cooperation.

Judeh's remarks came during Tuesday's Lower House session in response to a query raised by MP Rula Hroub (Stronger Jordan list), which she threatened last week to transform into a motion of no confidence against the minister if not satisfied with his response. 

The minister also noted that Jordan will not allow Israel to violate Jordanian sovereignty, adding that the planned airport in the north of Israel's port city Eilat is a major concern for the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

"Jordan will not remain idle in the face of such Israeli plans that pose a serious threat to aviation safety at the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba," Petra quoted Judeh as saying.

During the Lower House's afternoon "oversight" session, he also explained that all options are on the table to prevent Israel from building the airport, including direct communication with Tel Aviv.

Convinced with Judeh's response, Hroub decided to drop her request for a vote of no confidence, according to Petra.

According to Article 35 of the House by-laws, deputies have the right to request a vote of no confidence in ministers if not convinced with their replies to their queries.

During last week's session, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said the government has taken all measures to protest against Israel's plan to build an airport near Aqaba, which is considered a threat to Jordan’s airspace security.

Ensour added that the government is aware of all the details regarding the Israeli scheme, and the Foreign Ministry has made all necessary contacts with international parties and Israeli officials to assert that the airport’s location constitutes a violation to Jordan’s sovereignty.

The airport, which Israel plans to build some 18 kilometres north of Eilat, would serve domestic and international flights and is projected to open in 2016, according to Israel’s Haaretz newspaper.

In a previous statement, the Foreign Ministry said the airport is in violation of international laws, especially Article 1 of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation.

During the morning "legislative" session, the House passed the 2014 amendments to the Military Retirement Law.