Jordan’s Dilemma: Balancing Diplomatic Relations with Israel and Domestic Demands for Palestine

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, despite the strong cultural ties between its population and the Palestinian people. This puts Amman in a difficult geopolitical position, evident during a Jordanian Air Force flight over the Gaza Strip. A Jordanian lieutenant colonel observes the devastation in Gaza from the Hercules C-130 plane, seeing destroyed buildings and bombed-out streets. Relief supplies are dropped over Gaza by Jordanian special forces, reflecting the country’s connection to the Palestinian cause.

Around a fifth of Jordan’s population is Palestinian, with many having strong cultural ties to the Palestinian people. The Hashemite royal family also has Palestinian roots, further emphasizing the close relationship between the two. Despite diplomatic relations with Israel, Jordan’s King Abdullah II criticizes Israel and supports the Palestinian cause, leading to tensions within the country. Protests in Amman demonstrate the deep-seated sentiments of solidarity with Hamas and anger towards the Israeli government.

The protests are organized primarily by Islamist groups, reflecting the growing influence of political Islam in Jordan. There is concern that these demonstrations could radicalize young people and lead to further instability in the country. The government is walking a fine line between maintaining relations with Israel and appeasing its population’s demands for action in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Amidst these challenges, Iran poses a threat to Jordan’s stability as well as its alliances and actions related to the Gaza conflict. The Gaza war has further exacerbated tensions between Israel and Palestine and has forced Jordan to carefully navigate its relationships with both sides while grappling with its own domestic challenges related to political Islam’s growing influence on society.