Jordan, Israel in crisis over Jerusalem holy site

Jordanian-Israeli relations are growing turbulent, Israeli newspapers reported Monday.  The tensions come in wake of Israel's plan to demolish a gate in the Old City, which leads to Jerusalem.  Israel has plans to remove a temporary bridge on the gate, claiming it poses a risk to passersby. Israeli sources claimed that an understanding had been reached between the governments last week, through a series of highly secret phone calls.  The agreement allowed Israel to demolish the temporary bridge and build a new permanent one, with work scheduled to start next week. According to the agreement, Jordan would not file a complaint with UNESCO against Israel. However, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt and Iraq jointly filed a grievance with the international body, demanding a Statement of Condemnation against Israel and requesting the termination of the project. Jordan further requested that the Israeli Antiquities Authority completely stop their excavation in the vicinity of the Holy Mosque.  Amman sent a delegation to Jerusalem to assure the work was halted, causing Israel to denounce Jordan’s attitude.  Jordan could reportedly not explain the move to Washington, which decided to step in after the complaint was filed with UNESCO. Daily Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Israeli police and President Benjamin Netenyahu opposed going ahead with the bridge demolition, fearing it will cause disturbance in the Old City.  However, they claimed that the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem insists on going ahead with the demolition plans.