Attack near Jordan River targets Israeli diplomats
AMMAN - Two bombs were detonated by remote control near a carload of
Israeli diplomats in Jordan near the Allenby Bridge along the Jordan River on Jan. 14.
The bombing took place as the diplomats were traveling from Amman to the
neighboring West Bank, Middle East Newsline reported.
There were no reports of injuries, and Israeli ambassador Daniel Nevo
was not in the vehicle. Hours later, a taxi driver was reported to have been
arrested.
Diplomatic sources said Israeli nationals, particularly Jews, have
become a leading target of Islamic opponents of the Hashemite kingdom. They
said the Israeli embassy in Amman has intensified security measures and
ordered its staff to reduce travel.
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"The atmosphere is very tense and an attack could take place at any
time," a diplomat said.
"The explosion occurred while civilian cars and two vehicles bearing
Israeli diplomatic plates were passing along the road," Jordanian
Information Minister Nabil Sharif said.
The bombing was the latest in a series of attacks or plots against
Israelis in Jordan. Over the last two years, the Israeli presence in Jordan,
including those of executives, has declined amid threats from Islamist
elements.
The sources said Israel and Jordan have been coordinating security
measures to protect diplomats and other Israelis in the kingdom. They said
Jordanian authorities have urged the Israeli embassy, believed to be under
surveillance by Islamic insurgents, to reduce its staff amid the threat of
attack.
"All I can say now is that everyone is fine," Israel embassy spokeswoman
Merav Horsendi said.