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Jordanian-Israeli Relations in the Face of Regional Upheavals: The Resilience of a Strategic Alliance
Abstract by Prof. Yoav Alon On Session 040  (Israel in the Trump Era)

On Friday, November 16 at 11:00 am

2018 Annual Meeting

Abstract
In January 2018 the Israeli and Jordanian governments reached an agreement that brought to an end one of the most severe crisis in their relations since the signing of the peace treaty in 1994. Six months earlier one the Israeli embassy's security guards was attacked by a Jordanian man and in response shot and killed the attacker and another person who stood nearby. Several hours later, the Israeli embassy was evacuated and the following day, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a televised hero's welcome to the guard and the ambassador. Consequently, the outraged Jordanian government refused the return of the ambassador and her team until the guard faced legal action, a condition the Israeli government could not accept. The prolonged crisis was finally solved when Israel apologised, paid compensation to the families of the victims, and appointed a new ambassador. The two governments' degermination and eventual success in solving the crisis is a testimony to the value the two parties attach to their ties with one another. In fact, I will argue, that in light of recent developments in the region, the Jordanian-Israeli strategic alliance has only grown in importance. Recent years have seen close cooperation on issues such as ISIS, the war in Syria and the Iranian and Russian presence in that country, and the Palestinian question. Moreover, from a Jordanian point of view, Israel plays a crucial role in its stability. Over the past year, Jordan has received cold shoulder treatments from both President Trump and the Saudi government under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, after decades during which the USA and Saud Arabia were its main allies. This is occurring at a time that Jordan faces mounting problems such as hosting a huge refugee population from Syria and Iraq, a growing deficit in the state budget and significant water shortages. All these challenges make its relations with Israel indispensable.
Discipline
International Relations/Affairs
Geographic Area
Israel
Sub Area
19th-21st Centuries