A Jordanian has been shot dead after he stabbed a security guard at the Israeli embassy compound in Amman, said Israel.

The guard opened fire and killed the workman who had lashed out from behind with a screwdriver, it added.

The attack happened in a residential building used by the embassy staff in Jordan's capital.

A second Jordanian, the owner of the building, was hit by gunfire and later died of his injuries.

The guard was slightly wounded in the incident.


He has immunity from investigation and imprisonment under international conventions, said Israel.

Image: Israeli police officers stand guard next to metal detectors at a Jerusalem holy site

The attacker has been identified as a 17-year-old of Palestinian origin.

Israeli officials said he was one of two workers who had entered the embassy compound to replace furniture.

The incident comes amid mounting tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over metal detectors that Israel has installed at a contested shrine in Jerusalem.

Palestinians are accusing Israel of trying to take control of the holy site - known to Muslims as Haram al Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount - after authorities put up the detectors at its door.

The security measures were implemented by Israel after Arab gunmen opened fire from inside the shrine, killing two police officers.

Jordan is the Muslim custodian of the site and its officials have called on Israel to remove the detectors.

Image: An anti-Israel protest in Amman

Israel has also installed security cameras at the contested shrine.

The country's officials have said they are open to adopting alternative security measures in order to reduce tensions, but have warned they will not remove the metal detectors.

On Friday, thousands of Jordanians took part in an anti-Israel protest in Amman.

The same day, thousands of Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Three Palestinians were killed and dozens of others were wounded after protesters burned tyres and threw stones and firecrackers. Israeli troops responded with live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas.