How should we understand the recent tensions in East Jerusalem between the Israelis and the Palestinians:
1) Why did the installation of metal detectors at the entrance of The Temple Mount/ Haram esh-Sharif could lead to such widespread protests and riots?
Because the Palestinian Authority and Hamas both exploit developments on the Temple Mount as a means of mobilizing support among Muslims worldwide against Israel.
2) What are the mentality of both parties, the Israeli and the Palestinians side?
The Israelis want to be left alone to live quietly and creatively. The Palestinians want to eliminate the Jewish state.
3) What are the root causes of today's tensions between two sides?
A Palestinian unwillingness to accept the existence of a Jewish state.
How will you compare the two crisis caused by disputes over The Temple Mount/ Haram ash-Sharif: the recent tensions around security measures at the holy site, and Ariel Sharon's visit to the holy site in 2000 which led to the second intifada?
They are basically similar in that the Palestinians exploited a minuscule event to create an international crisis.
Why do you think the Muslims continue to protest and the PA continues to suspend ties with Israeli government, even after the Israeli security cabinet announced to remove the metal detectors, which is seen as a gesture of concession?
The Palestinian Authority won the first round and now wants to win a second round.
What will be the impact of the PA's decision to halt security cooperation with the Israeli government?
The Israelis will have to take over more security on the West Bank.
Jordan as an important regional partner of Israel and the guardian of the Temple Mount/ Haram esh-Sharif, was also deeply involved in the recent incidents. How will you interpret the Jordanian stance over this dispute?
King Abdullah of Jordan fears unrest among the Palestinians living in Jordan and so appeases them.
Will Israeli-Jordanian ties be harmed by this Temple Mount violence?
Yes. The Israelis have a lot of tolerance for the king's weakness but this annoyed them intensely and will have consequences.
The U.S. is always seen as an important middle party in dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the U.S. special envoy has also been sent to mediate this recent clash. In your opinion, how effective will the U.S. efforts be in solving the recent conflict?
The U.S. role in the recent crisis is not clear. The U.S. government has historically been the most effective mediator in the Middle East; but it is not clear that the Trump administration will be able to continue in this role.
From your observations, under what circumstances will this clash over Temple Mount/ Haram esh-Sharif conclude and peace restored?
The usual way, with the Palestinians tiring of demonstrations and violence – until the next time.
