Israel to probe Jordan shooting that sparked diplomatic spat

JERUSALEM – Israel says it will probe the shooting deaths of two Jordanians by an Israeli Embassy guard that sparked diplomatic tensions between the allies.

Israel’s Justice Ministry said Friday that police will examine the case, a key Jordanian demand.

Last month’s deadly shootings came as Jordan was involved in behind-the-scenes negotiations to end Israel-Palestinian tensions over a major Jerusalem shrine. The guard opened fire after a Jordanian teen attacked him with a screwdriver. A Jordanian standing nearby was also killed.

Embassy staff later returned to Israel under the protection of diplomatic immunity and the guard received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to the dismay of Jordan.

There has been widespread anger over the incident in Jordan, where a 1994 peace treaty with Israel is unpopular.