AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Israel and Jordan have agreed on steps aimed at reducing tensions at a holy site in Jerusalem that have fanned Israeli-Palestinian violence.
Jordan is custodian of the site known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.
Kerry says the steps include round-the-clock video monitoring and Israel’s reaffirming of Jordan’s special and historic role as custodian.
He says Israel is pledging to maintain the rules of worship at the site, and that Israeli and Jordanian authorities will meet about bolstering security.
The hilltop compound is a frequent flashpoint and its fate is a central issue at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Kerry made the announcement after meeting in Jordan’s capital King Abdullah II and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Kerry had meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin on Thursday.
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