Full Breakdown
Proposed Overhaul of Al-Aqsa Custodianship Sparks Regional Tension
5/26/2026, 9:29:04 PM
Proposed Change to Al-Aqsa Management
Multiple sources say the US and Israel plan to replace the Jordanian-backed Islamic Waqf with an Israeli-linked authority, recast Al-Aqsa as a multi-faith centre, permit Jewish prayer, and give Israel a role in appointing imams and approving sermons. The proposal envisions oversight by Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco and the UAE; Saudi Arabia opposes.
Historical and Legal Context
Jordan’s custodianship, established in 1924, is recognised in Article 9 of the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty. Since 1967 the Waqf manages internal affairs while Israel handles security. Jordan also oversees the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Ascension and holds a veto over the Greek Orthodox Patriarch.
Principal Actors
Former senior adviser Jared Kushner and U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee are identified as promoters. Mustafa Abu Sway, deputy head of the Waqf council, defends the status quo. Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and King Abdullah represent Jordan. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Morocco are involved; Saudi Arabia opposes the plan. Israel’s Netanyahu office maintains the status-quo, while a White House spokesperson denied the report.
Official Statements & Gaps
The White House denied the report. Netanyahu’s office said Israel’s policy on the site remains unchanged. Jordan’s government affirmed the custodianship “remains firm” under the 1994 treaty. The United States government confirmed a draft paper on the mosque’s future, though no policy has been announced. The proposal omits the fate of Christian holy sites, leaving their future unclear, and no public announcement from Israel, Jordan or the United States confirms the details.
Criticism
Abu Sway warned the custodianship is “a cornerstone for stability… undermining it is tantamount to undermining the principles for peace.” Jordan’s government argues the plan threatens Jerusalem’s Arab, Islamic and Christian holy-site identity. Saudi Arabia called the custodianship “a pillar of regional stability” and cautioned that any move against it would inflame the region. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were urged to act cautiously, noting the issue’s explosiveness in the Muslim world.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Hashemite Custodianship is a cornerstone for stability in the region, undermining it is tantamount to undermining the very principles for peace” — Mustafa Abu Sway, deputy head of the Waqf council
- “totally false.” — White House spokesperson
- “has not changed and will not change.” — Netanyahu’s office
- “Saudi Arabia fully understands that if any moves are taken against the Hashemite custodianship, then that would inflame the entire region,” — Saudi Arabia
What's Next
Jordan is expected to seek broader Arab backing, with Saudi Arabia’s response pending. UNESCO may become a venue for reaffirming the historic status-quo, while observers monitor any legislative or administrative steps by the United States or Israel.
