Washington and Jerusalem are actively working to end Jordan's historic custodianship of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, according to multiple diplomatic sources who spoke to Middle East Eye.
The effort, allegedly led by Jared Kushner and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, would replace the Islamic Waqf's authority with an Israeli-created body declaring Al-Aqsa a "multi-faith centre." Under the proposal, Jews would gain "equal access" and the ability to conduct large-group prayer at the site—a fundamental shift from arrangements that have stood since 1967.
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. Jordan's custodianship of the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem is enshrined in the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty and recognized under multiple international agreements. Since Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, the Islamic Waqf has administered internal affairs at the compound while Israel maintains external security control.
The proposed changes would grant Israel substantial influence over appointing imams and approving sermon content, according to sources briefed on the plan. The site would be transformed into a tourist attraction hosting all three Abrahamic faiths—a vision that fundamentally contradicts its status as the third-holiest site in Islam.
Regional reactions have been swift. Saudi Arabia opposes the proposal, viewing the custodianship as essential to regional stability. However, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, and the have been briefed on the plan, though their positions remain unclear. Palestinian and Jordanian officials have rejected the proposal outright.
