Jordan welcomes Israel's shrine decision

Jordan has welcomed Israel's removal of security installations at a contested Jerusalem shrine, saying that as an occupying power "Israel has no right to impose" changes on the ground.

Government spokesman Mohammed Momani's statement Thursday came after Israel removed metal railings and scaffoldings. Jordan is the Muslim custodian of the shrine — the third holiest site of Islam and the most sacred on in Judaism.

Momani says dismantling the devices was needed to calm the situation.

Israel installed metal detectors, additional security cameras and other devices last week after Arab gunmen killed two police officers there in mid-July.

Muslims alleged the security measures were an attempt by Israel to expand control over the shrine, a claim Israel denies. The dispute sparked widespread Muslim protests.