Jordanian Police Push Back Rioters Near Israeli Embassy

Residents of the Jordanian capital of Amman reported on Wednesday that dozens of protestors were arrested or beaten by riot police while hundreds attempted to make their way towards the Israeli embassy complex in the Rabae neighborhood. The Israeli diplomatic facilities are heavily guarded and have often served as a staging ground for anti-Israel protests in the country. Protestors have gathered here daily, but Tuesday’s incident represents an escalating situation.  

The demonstrations, which as of that evening numbered over 2000 in number, reportedly center on internal frustration regarding what many in Jordan see as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause given Jordan’s historically strong relationship with Israel compared to other states in the region and the ongoing war in Gaza.  Those at the scene were heard chanting pro-Hamas slogans, including phrases such as: “Oh Hamas, all of Jordan’s people are behind you.”  

The Jordanian authorities have referenced these protests and expressed concern that Israel’s actions in Gaza threaten to fan the rising tide of violent political Islamism in the generally stable Hashemite kingdom. Similarly, a large population of Jordanians is Palestinian in origin, and protests in the country have been extremely intense and widespread since Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack spurred Israel’s successive air campaign and ground invasion.  

The Jordanian police have noted that peaceful demonstrations are permitted but that rioting or violence of any kind will not be tolerated, nor will any attempts to breach the border with Israel or the Palestinian West Bank.