King Abdullah´s eldest son escorted around Temple Mount by Israeli security forces, may also visit Cave of Patriarchs

Jordan´s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, 18, held a secret visit to Temple Mount in Jerusalem escorted by Israeli security forces. He arrived at the site via the Mughrabi Bridge.

A Palestinian official told Ynet that the prince will also be visiting the Cave of Patriarchs later on Wednesday. He said that the visit had been coordinated and initiated by Israel and that consequently Prince Hussein will be visiting the cave´s Israeli side.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered the national planning and construction committee to readdress a plan to expand the women´s section at the Western Wall. The plan also aims to replace the temporary bridge leading to the Temple Mount´s Mughrabi Bridge. Four months ago, the controversial bridge was sealed off following an order by the Jerusalem city engineer who warned of safety hazards. It was reopened two days later after pressure from Jordan and other Arab states.

Prince Hussein is King Abdullah´s eldest son and was declared crown prince in 2009. King Abdullah and Queen Rania have one other son and two daughters. According to Jordan´s constitution, the king has a right to appoint his brother as crown prince, over his son. Elior Levy contributed to this report (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 04/04/12)