Jordan’s politicians agree that relations with Israel are “bad”, as described by King Abdullah II. But they add that the relationship has in fact deteriorated to become a “cold peace”, due to the “continuous provocations of Israel” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confirmation of his intention to annex the Jordan Valley.
While well-informed Jordanian sources excluded any escalation steps towards Israel, in response to Netanyahu’s declarations regarding the annexation of the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea, they left the door open to using legal and diplomatic options to publicize the seriousness of Israel’s intentions, specifically its aim to torpedo the two-state solution.
Jordan appears to be suspending its statements regarding Israeli provocations, hoping for the formation of a less extreme Israeli government.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Netanyahu’s use of US support might end with the expiration of his chances to form a government, if the political map changes after a third election in a year, or when he leaves the race because of a number of corruption files before the Israeli judiciary.
In this context, former Jordanian Prime Minister, Taher Al-Masri, said he saw the US support for Israel regarding the recognition of the legality of the settlements and the annexation of the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea as a promise similar to the Balfour Declaration.
Frustration is increasing among public institutions, trade union and parliamentary blocs against Israeli policies. The various political and party circles declared their full support for the stance expressed by the king, while calling for the need to stop all forms of normalization, including the Israeli gas project.
The Jordanian monarch had made a series of statements and moves that showed his discontent with Israel’s unilateral policies and its approach to undermining the chances of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
