Jordanian MP Nidal Taani, who heads his parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed the arrest of an Israeli national after the person in custody crossed the border into the Hashemite Kingdom. Taani stated the person will remain in custody as a “bargaining chip” towards obtaining the release of Jordanian nationals imprisoned in Israel. He stated that currently, there are at least 22 Jordanian citizens imprisoned in Israel. Taani spoke with the Arabic daily al-Quds on Wednesday, stating that at this time, his country is demanding the release of two citizens held by Israel.

The IDF on Tuesday evening released a statement confirming that an Israeli citizen crossed into Jordan and was being interrogated by authorities in Jordan after being taken into custody.

As diplomatic tensions between Jerusalem and Aman increase, Jordan on Tuesday recalled its ambassador to Israel for “consultations” as Jordan is demanding the release of Hiba Labadi and Abdul Rahman Miri, who they say have been held for months without being charged, “held illegally”, adding that their health has deteriorated seriously since being detained by Israel. Labadi began a hunger strike and she was hospitalized as a result of her deteriorating health. She has been in custody since crossing into the territories in August 2019, where she was hoping to attend the wedding of a relative.

Israeli Arab MK Yousef Jabareen has tweeted that Israel’s government is responsible for denying 33-year-old Labadi her freedom, explaining she was arrested by administrative order and is being held illegally, as she continues her hunger strike.

היבא אללבדי שובתת רעב זה היום ה-33 במחאה על צו מעצר מינהלי שהוצא נגדה לאחר חקירה קשה בה עברה גם עינויים. ממשלת ישראל אחראית לשלילת חירותה של היבא, לעינויה, ולהידרדרות במצבה הבריאותי.
מעצרים מנהליים ועינויים הם פסולים מוסרית ומשפטית. צריך לשחרר את היבא לאלתר.#FreeHiba pic.twitter.com/XqDTAIzocM

— Yousef Jabareen (@DrJabareen) October 26, 2019

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi tweeted a similar message to Jabareen, stating the arrest of the Israeli was only a first step towards gaining their release. He did not detail.

We hold Israeli government responsible for the lives of our citizens whose health conditions have severely deteriorated in illegal arbitrary detention. We will take all necessary legal & diplomatic measures to ensure their safe return home. Administrative detention is illegal.2/2

— Ayman Safadi (@AymanHsafadi) October 29, 2019

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)