Web posted Sun. Mar. 16, 1:30 pm
King Hussein’s private plane landed in Israel one hour ago. At this time, the Jordanian king is visiting the families who lost daughters in the attack at Naharayim. 3000 police officers have been stationed in Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem to protect the king’s entourage.
After offering his condolences to the families, Hussein will visit those injured in the attack and Israeli President Ezer Weizman, who broke his wrist and hip and is hospitalized a the same hospital. From the hospital, Hussein will head for a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The visit is not defined as an official visit and no formal ceremonies or speeches will be held. Of the seven bereaved families, only five agreed to meet Hussein. Serious traffic disruptions are expected during Hussein’s visit in Jerusalem, for which police reinforcements have been sent to the city.
After the meeting with Netanyahu, the two will hold a press conference. The Prime Minister’s office considers the meeting between Netanyahu and Hussein very important, hoping it will curb the serious deterioration of the relationship between the two leaders.
King Hussein, who had been scheduled to meet with US President Bill Clinton on Tuesday, canceled his visit to Washington in order to pay the condolence calls in Israel. He also ordered a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the attack at Naharayim. A senior Israel Defense Force officer joined the Jordanian team in Amman and will participate in the investigation.
Reports on the mental state of the Jordanian soldier who shot at the girls, are still contradictory. There are reports in Jordan that the soldier, Ahmed Dachamsa, has been disturbed for quite some time, but it is still unclear how a soldier in such a condition would be sent to serve close to the Israeli border.