On November 24, 2024, tension escalated near the Israeli Embassy in Amman as gunfire erupted, resulting in the death of the assailant and injuring three police officers. The incident, described as serious by officials, unfolded early Sunday morning, marking yet another chapter of heightened security concerns and anti-Israel sentiment within Jordan. According to Jordan's state news agency, Petra, the situation unfolded when a Jordanian gunman opened fire on police stationed near the embassy and then attempted to flee the scene.
The shootout ignited near the Rabieh district, where police patrols are typically active. Eyewitness accounts noted the rapid response from security forces who engaged the shooter, resulting in his immediate death. The injured officers received prompt medical attention and their conditions were assessed as moderate.
Jordan's government communications minister characterized the episode as a terrorist attack aimed at public safety forces fulfilling their duties. He emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining stability and security by stating, "No one will be allowed to tamper with it." This incident arrives on the heels of significant unrest across the region, related to the recent conflict ignited by Hamas’ actions on October 7, 2023, which continue to fuel anti-Israel protests and sentiments among the Jordanian populace.
The Israeli ambassador to Jordan, Rogel Rachman, had vacated his post and returned to Israel following the outbreak of violence spurred by the Gaza conflict. The area around the Israeli Embassy has become increasingly volatile, with incidents of protests against Israeli policies, which have steadily intensified since mid-October. During these protests, demonstrators have been cited chanting slogans calling for direct confrontation against Israel.
Prior clashes have been reported, including incidents earlier this year where riot police confronted hundreds of Jordanians protesting near the embassy, demonstrating the persistent discord surrounding Israel's presence within Jordan. On one occasion, protestors expressed vehement opposition to the Israeli government, venting their frustrations through chants, "No Zionist embassy on Jordanian land," and other inflammatory statements.
This incident also echoes previous security breaches at the border crossings, including attacks by Jordanian nationals on Israeli security personnel, raising alarms about the potential for increasing instability between the two nations. Jordan and Israel, though bound by a peace treaty since 1994, have witnessed brief periods of cooperation overshadowed by incidents such as the shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge border crossing, where three Israeli guards were murdered, and infiltrations have occasionally occurred along the Dead Sea region.
While Jordan is home to one of the largest populations of Palestinian refugees and has faced rising anti-Israel sentiment since the recommencement of hostilities, the government's responses remain firm. The clarity with which the authorities continue to address these incidents demonstrates their commitment to not only public security but also diplomatic stability.
Following the shooting on Sunday, police have reinforced their presence around sensitive sites, particularly those associated with embassies and foreign diplomatic missions. Investigations are underway to determine the broader motivations behind the attack and whether it aligns with the uptick of anti-Israel incidents observed regionally.
The recent unrest, fueled by the war in Gaza and the resulting complex web of political and emotional responses, showcases the fragile nature of peace and security relations between Jordan and Israel. Each incident can have broader repercussions and impact diplomatic progress, tested by significant public sentiment and unrest.
Jordan's geopolitical positioning, being sandwiched between major conflict zones, coupled with its peace treaty with Israel, places it at the heart of regional tensions. Additional incidents like the one on Sunday only serve to remind both nations of the dire necessity for renewed dialogue and efforts aimed at resolving underlying tensions influencing the actions of their citizens.
