Jordan & U.S. Agree: Israel Needs to Control Jordan Valley

Palestinians steaming after Kerry reported the US backs Israel’s demand to maintain full IDF presence in Jordan Valley.

By Ryan Jones

 

The Obama Administration and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have both reportedly sided with Israel in its demand to retain control over the Jordan Valley in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians.

US, Jordan Agree: Israel Should Control Jordan Valley

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Benny Gantz look out over the strategic Jordan Valley. – PHOTO Courtesy

In a new proposal to both Israel and the Palestinian Authority last week, US Secretary of State John Kerry is said to have suggested that the Jewish state be permitted to maintain a military presence in the strategic Jordan Valley.

The new American position on that matter could be the result of reported Jordanian pressure. According to Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv, Jordan coordinated with Jerusalem to convince Kerry of the crucial importance of continued Israeli army control of the border region.

Israel has long insisted that, even if it surrenders the bulk of Judea and Samaria (the so-called “West Bank”), it must retain control of the Jordan Valley as a buffer against future external threats, and as a deterrent and protection against Palestinian aggression.

Jordan wants Israel in the Jordan Valley to prevent further influx of Palestinian Arabs into the Hashemite Kingdom. Jordan’s Palestinian majority has threatened the Bedouin-backed Hashemite monarchy in the past, including in the 1970-1971 Jordanian Civil War.

As expected, the Palestinian Authority responded to the news with outrage.

 

View original Israel Today publication at: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/24298/Default.aspx?hp=readmore