Peace Agreement Between Israel and Jordan: From Bloody Conflict to Security Cooperation On October 26, 1994, Israel and Jordan transformed from enemies to official neighbors. After decades of wars, confrontations, and secret channels, the moment arrived when handshakes replaced the thunder of cannons. But how did we get there?

Power Struggles and Missing the Palestinian Opportunity Since the War of Independence, Jordan controlled the West Bank but avoided establishing a Palestinian state – not out of generosity, but fearing Palestinians would replace the Hashemite leadership. In 1967, after being drawn into the Six-Day War, Jordan lost the West Bank and East Jerusalem to Israel. Jordan became fertile ground for Palestinian terrorism – until 1970 when King Hussein launched a brutal offensive against the PLO, expelled them to Lebanon, and made it clear: Jordan is a Jordanian state, not Palestinian. Despite this, Jordan continued to claim sovereignty over the West Bank until 1988, when it completely disengaged due to the Intifada and fears that Palestinian riots would spread to their territory.

 Secret Diplomacy and the Missed Opportunity Despite tensions, Israel and Jordan conducted secret talks for years. In 1987, Shimon Peres and King Hussein agreed on the “London Agreement,” but Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir opposed it and the agreement fell through. In the early 1990s, reality changed: the collapse of the Soviet Union, the impact of the Gulf War on Jordan’s economy, and the Oslo Accords gave momentum to reconciliation. With US support and promises of economic aid, Jordan moved rapidly toward an official peace agreement.

 Key Elements of the Agreement – Official Peace, Mutual Interests The agreement established agreed borders, mainly in the Arava, regulated water resource distribution, and gave Jordan a special role in Jerusalem’s holy sites. Israel committed to respecting Jordanian sovereignty and cooperating in security, trade, and tourism. Jordan became the second Arab country, after Egypt (1979), to sign a peace treaty with Israel. The Arab world seethed. Syria and Iraq accused Jordan of treason, Palestinians were furious, and within the kingdom itself – the agreement was met with mixed feelings. Egypt preferred to remain neutral. 

Relations Today – Cold Peace Economy and trade grew, but public support for the agreement in Jordan eroded. The Intifadas and conflicts with Palestinians distanced Jordanian public opinion from the idea of warm peace, and relations remained primarily interest-based. 

October 7th and Cracks in the Alliance Since the “Iron Swords” war, Jordan has taken a hard line against Israel, condemned its actions in Gaza, and supported Palestinians. But beneath the surface – security cooperation and partnership continue. In April 2024, when Iran launched an unprecedented missile attack toward Israel, Jordan helped thwart the threat by shooting down missiles that entered its airspace – a move that reflected its strategic considerations and commitment to regional stability. 

Legacy of the Agreement – Stable or in Danger? The peace agreement with Jordan is a reminder that the State of Israel is willing and prepared to reach agreements even with enemy states. The State of Israel is not fighting Islam or Arabs; it is fighting terrorist organizations and states that have made it their goal to eliminate the State of Israel.