BICOM

Israel plans to appoint a new ambassador to Jordan in a bid to reduce diplomatic tensions after an Israeli embassy guard shot a Jordanian citizen who attacked him with a screwdriver in July.

An Israeli diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the previous Ambassador would not return, saying “Jordanians don’t want her back, and this has been a big obstacle in patching things up. We’re looking for a replacement.”

Emmanuel Nashon, spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, said “We are working on a solution that will bring the relations back on track.”

Relations have been strained since July when an Israeli guard Ziv Moyal opened fire after being attacked by Mohammed Jawawdeh with a screwdriver, killing him and a bystander.

After an initial enquiry by the head of the Shin Bet, Nadav Argaman, in coordination with the Jordanian authorities, all Embassy staff including Moyal and Ambassador Einat Schlein were returned to Israel.

Jordan has called for a full investigation into the incident. In August Muhammed al-Momani, a Jordanian government spokesman said that “we expect a complete follow-up on the legal procedure in accordance with international law relevant to these cases. Justice must be served”.

Channel 2 reported that after Moyal returned to Israel the Shin Bet finished its investigation and concluded that the he acted in self-defence and was justified in shooting the attacker.

Israel’s Reshet Channel 13 reported that Jordan has refused to allow Ambassador Schlein to return to Amman after she was photographed with Moyal and Netanyahu.

As relations deteriorated, Israel reportedly told Jordan that a joint agreement for the construction of a pipeline transferring water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea will not go ahead until the embassy is reopened. In response, Jordanian media cited officials saying that Amman does not need Israel for the pipeline, raising the possibility that Saudi Arabia might partner with Jordan instead.