The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is in a difficult geopolitical position due to its diplomatic relations with Israel despite the rebellion of its population against it. This was evident during a Jordanian Air Force flight over Gaza, where a lieutenant colonel observed the devastation caused by Israeli bombings from the Hercules C-130 plane. The destruction and bombed-out streets were a stark reminder of the suffering in Gaza, and relief supplies were dropped by Jordanian special forces, emphasizing their connection to the Palestinian cause.
Around 20% of Jordan’s population is Palestinian, with strong cultural ties to their homeland. The Hashemite royal family also has Palestinian roots, further highlighting the close relationship between the two nations. Despite diplomatic relations with Israel, King Abdullah II criticizes Israel and supports the Palestinian cause, leading to tensions within the country. Protests in Amman demonstrate solidarity with Hamas and anger towards Israel, organized primarily by Islamist groups. There are concerns that these demonstrations could radicalize young people and lead to further instability in Jordan.
The government is walking a fine line between maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel and appeasing its population’s demands for action in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Iran poses a threat to Jordan’s stability, exacerbating tensions caused by the ongoing Gaza war. As such, Jordan must carefully navigate its alliances and actions in response to conflict while considering domestic stability and regional relationships moving forward.
Amidst these challenges, political Islam continues to grow in influence within Jordan. While protests against Israel remain popular among certain groups, there are also calls for more moderate approaches towards resolving conflicts peacefully.
In conclusion, while diplomatic relations with Israel provide economic benefits for Jordanians, it remains challenging to balance those interests with social unrest at home and regional instability caused by ongoing conflicts. However, as tensions rise both domestically and regionally, it becomes increasingly clear that finding peaceful solutions will be key not only for Jordan but also for other countries involved in these complex geopolitical issues.