The families of Israeli diplomats posted in Amman stayed behind in Israel after last week's Yom Kippur holiday and do not plan to return until the regional situation settles, an Israeli embassy source said Sunday, reported (AFP)
"Israeli diplomats' families and Israeli employees in the embassy's consular section left Amman a week ago to celebrate Yom Kippur," the source told AFP.
"For security reasons and because of the situation in the Middle East they have not yet returned to Jordan," the source said, adding that the relatives and employees will come back "as soon as the situation improves."
"The embassy is functioning normally, although the consular section is only working half-time," the source said.
Jordan has been the site of major anti-Israeli demonstrations since deadly clashes broke out in the Palestinian territories at the end of September, with many protesters calling on Jordan to break off relations with Israel and oust its ambassador, David Dadon.
Some protesters have tried to approach the Israeli embassy in Amman but have been blocked by Jordanian security forces.
Jordan and Israel established diplomatic relations after signing a peace treaty in October 1994.
Jordan, which has a large Palestinian population, has strongly protested against Israel's use of force against the Palestinians and has indefinitely delayed sending its new ambassador to Tel Aviv – (AFP)
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