Jordan Sees Bigger Threat From Israel Than Iran
For Amman, Israeli annexation of the West Bank looms as an existential risk.
Jordan perceives a greater existential threat from Israel's annexation plans compared to Iran's missile attacks, according to recent conversations with its officials, journalists, and commentators. The country has endured nearly 300 Iranian missile and drone assaults during the Iran war, primarily targeting U.S. bases, but this pales in comparison to the sense of impending doom surrounding Israel's push to annex the West Bank.
Jordanians fear that a full or partial annexation could force many Palestinians to relocate to Jordan, overwhelming the country's demographic and political stability. If Israel were to seize Areas A, B, and C of the West Bank – encompassing nearly all Palestinians – it would dissolve the Palestinian Authority and potentially displace up to 500,000 Palestinians into Jordan.
This would strain Jordan's resources and social cohesion, increasing the pressure on its already tense relationship with its tribal population. Jordan has historically balanced its relationship with both Israel and Iran, but recent Israeli actions have raised concerns about Jordan's security and stability. The country's strategic importance to the U.S., hosting U.S. military bases and receiving substantial aid, adds to the complex geopolitical landscape.
Written by urgent.news from Foreign Policy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
