Tensions between Israel and Jordan were high following the 2017 Temple Mount shooting on 14 July, new security measures, and rioting following the shooting. The spokesperson for the Jordanian government condemned Israel's closure of the Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa mosque and called on them to reopen it immediately to worshipers. Subsequently, following criticism of Israel for not doing so, King Abdullah II in a phone call on 16 July with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, called for calm, and reopening of Al-Aqsa. On 16 July the Parliament of Jordan criticized the Temple Mount closure and held a prayer service in honor of the attackers. Atef Tarawneh, the Speaker of the House of Representatives praised the attackers, calling them martyrs who were defending Palestinians, while also blaming Israeli occupation as the reason for the attack.