Jordan’s new ambassador to Israel, Walid Obeidat, was sworn in Monday by Jordanian King Abdullah despite threats from Obeidat’s clan to “disown” him if he accepted the post. Obeidat has been under immense pressure to turn down the position, with his clan offering him five million dinars and the promise of political success as incentive. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Naser Judeh said despite a two-year gap in filling the position, Jordanian ambassadors to Israel have belonged to respected clans, and that appointing Obeidat was in Jordan’s interest.

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