Israeli PM Approves 50 Mln Cubic Meters Sale of Water to Jordan

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (AP)
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Israeli PM Approves 50 Mln Cubic Meters Sale of Water to Jordan

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (AP)

Israel’s newly-elected Prime Minister Naftali Bennett approved the immediate sale of 50 million cubic meters of water to Jordan, to be followed by another 50 million next year, in a step to improve relations with Amman.

Bennett's spokesman said that Jordan might potentially get the same amount of water for the next five years and the Israeli National Security Council would discuss the matter each year separately.

Political sources in Tel Aviv noted that the Biden administration was active in applying pressure on Israel to agree to Jordan’s request, to improve recently-soured relations between the two countries.

Bennett wanted to put an end to the tense bilateral relations, which Netanyahu is accused of sabotaging.

Israel supplies Jordan with about 55 million cubic meters of water annually, according to the peace agreement signed between the two in 1994. However, Jordan's water needs to be increased significantly after the influx of about three million refugees from Iraq and Syria.

Israel increased the quantities of water according to Jordanian demand, and Jordan paid 40 cents per cubic meter, four times the regular price.

However, political relations between the two countries became tense in 2017, following the tensions in East Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque, which Netanyahu used as a tool of pressure.

The former PM refused Jordan's requests for additional water supplies, and earlier this year, tensions heightened after Israel imposed impossible conditions on the Jordanian Crown Prince's visit to Jerusalem, prompting him to cancel the trip.

Jordan responded by delaying an order to allow Netanyahu's plane to pass over Jordanian airspace, on its way to the UAE. Netanyahu was forced to cancel his trip.

Last April, Netanyahu backed down and agreed to provide Jordan with additional water. But the deal was not completed and was transferred to the new Israeli government.

Bennett approved the additional quantities, saying his approval was based on the position of the professional officials in the Israeli Water Authority, who confirmed that the situation in the Sea of ​​Galilee allowed the request to be met.

He explained that Jordan will pay the full price for the water, and that "this kind gesture will not cost the Israeli taxpayer anything."



Foreign Tourist Spending in Saudi Arabia Tops $13 Bln in Q1

Foreign tourists visit AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s top heritage sites (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Foreign tourists visit AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s top heritage sites (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Foreign Tourist Spending in Saudi Arabia Tops $13 Bln in Q1

Foreign tourists visit AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s top heritage sites (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Foreign tourists visit AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s top heritage sites (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia recorded a sharp rise in inbound visitor spending in the first quarter of 2025, with international tourists spending 49.4 billion riyals ($13.2 billion), up 9.7% from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

 

The kingdom also posted a surplus of 26.8 billion riyals ($7.14 billion) in its travel account balance, marking an 11.7% year-on-year increase, driven by a surge in tourism activity and government-led initiatives to diversify the economy beyond oil.

 

The data, published in the central bank’s balance of payments for May, reflects the success of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to position the kingdom as a global travel destination.

 

Tourism reforms yield results

 

The Ministry of Tourism said the strong surplus was the result of continued national efforts to boost tourism’s contribution to economic growth. It added that the figures reflect “clear progress” in the sector’s development.

 

The rapid growth highlights the effectiveness of reforms across the tourism ecosystem, including improved services, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced collaboration between public and private stakeholders to meet Vision 2030 targets.

 

Industry experts say government initiatives launched in recent years are starting to bear fruit, as evidenced by rising international arrivals and spending.

 

E-visas widen access

 

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, tourism investor and businessman Majed Al-Hokair said Saudi Arabia’s recent achievements underscore its growing appeal to international visitors.

 

He credited the introduction of electronic tourist visas for travelers from across the globe with significantly boosting arrivals, allowing visitors to explore the country’s diverse offerings — from historical and cultural sites to leisure and beach destinations.

 

Al-Hokair added that Saudi Arabia’s tourism appeal spans all seasons, drawing visitors for entertainment, heritage, business travel, and conferences, all of which have generated new job opportunities for Saudis in the sector.

 

Legal reforms fuel tourism boom

 

Nasser Al-Ghilan, founder and CEO of Amla Tourism Investment, told Asharq Al-Awsat that regulatory changes have also played a key role in attracting foreign tourists and driving up domestic tourism spending.

 

He said several new tourism and entertainment projects launched under Vision 2030 helped the kingdom surpass its goal of 100 million visitors in 2023, with new targets now set at 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.

 

Record tourism surplus in 2024

 

In 2024, Saudi Arabia posted a record 50 billion riyals ($13.3 billion) surplus in its travel account - a 7.8% increase over 2023 - driven by a 13.8% jump in international visitor spending.

 

Inbound tourism spending rose to 153.6 billion riyals ($40.9 billion) in 2024, compared to 135 billion riyals ($36 billion) the previous year, reflecting the kingdom’s growing status as a global travel hub.