Annexation could damage "cold peace" with Jordan
The greatest risk lies with Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel 26 years ago. Amman cooperates with Israel in two areas vital to its existence — water and gas. But beyond the pipelines that transfer those life-sustaining commodities, there has been little progress on other areas of mutual concern, including a joint Aqaba-Eilat airport, a Red Sea–Dead Sea canal, restoration of the Jordan River, and agricultural development.
Indeed, in recent years Israel has given up on the possibility of further breakthroughs in this “cold peace.” Maybe it’s because of the two million–plus Palestinians who live in Jordan, who make up about 22 percent of its population, and are very vocal in their opposition to the Jewish state. Or maybe it’s because the Jordanians are happy with the status quo: Jordan gets a steady water supply and Israeli security cooperation from the peace agreement. Ironically, Israel is Jordan’s only secure border.
According to Israel’s ambassador to Jordan Amir Weissbrod, “Without Israel, Jordan would have a water problem, and their electricity supply would also be endangered.”
In addition to whatever trouble annexation might stir up, King Abdullah II of Jordan is also concerned about his general standing in the wider Middle East. Since 1967, the Hashemite kingdom has maintained custodianship over the Temple Mount and other Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. However, Turkey and even Saudi Arabia are now attempting to gain a foothold at his expense.
Create a free account to keep reading.
