Lower House passes motion recommending gov’t to expel Israeli ambassador

AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday voted in favour of a motion recommending the government to expel Israel’s ambassador to Jordan in protest of recent remarks made by a far-right minister in the Israeli government. 

During a legislative session attended by Cabinet members, Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi called on the government to take effective measures against the Israeli minister of finance for using an alleged map of Israel that “includes the borders of the Kingdom and the occupied Palestinian territories”, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The lawmakers expressed their rejection of the Israeli minister's actions and affirmed their support for the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and the Armed Forces in defending the country and its sovereignty. 

They also criticised the Israeli minister's actions as lacking respect for international treaties and conventions. 

In response to the deputies' interventions, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration Tawfiq Kreishan stated that such events unify the Jordanians, and emphasised that the map of Jordan is drawn solely by Jordanians.  

During Wednesday’s session, Safadi also called for effective measures to be taken regarding the finance minister’s actions, pointing out that this "is a matter that cannot be ignored and constitutes a breach of the peace treaty and international norms".

The occupation forces' criminal and extremist actions undermine comprehensive peace efforts, he said. 

Safadi confirmed that the House will take “urgent action” with Arab and international parliaments, and will address their governments to expose the occupation and take steps to reject all extremist measures undertaken.

He also emphasised that the Al Karamah Battle will always serve as a testament to the resilience and unwavering determination of Jordanians, adding that any misguided actions of extremists within the occupying government “will be met with resistance”, according to Petra.