Amman (AFP)
Twenty-five years after the signing of a landmark peace treaty, ties between Jordan and Israel mirror the ebbs and flows of a turbulent region, while many Jordanians still regard the Jewish state as an "enemy".
The Wadi Araba Treaty, inked on 26 October 1994, formally ended decades of war between the two neighbours but the accord faces continual challenges, analysts say.
"Israel remains our number one enemy," Yazid Khleifat, a 38-year-old civil servant, told AFP.
"Israel has displaced millions of our Palestinian brothers and killed thousands of Arabs," he added.
More than half of Jordan's 9.5 million population is of Palestinian descent.
The largely desert Hashemite kingdom borders Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories where a decades-long conflict has defined the political tremors of the Middle East.
Jordan -- the only Arab country with Egypt to have a peace treaty with Israel -- administered the West Bank, including mostly Arab east Jerusalem, until the 1967 Six-Day War.
It remains the custodian of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
"Despite the peace plan, Israel shows no respect for Jordan's custodianship over the holy sites... and its attempts to Judaise Jerusalem are in full swing," said Khleifat.
"The issue of custodianship is sensitive for the Hashemites because it touches upon their religious legitimacy," said Amman-based political analyst Labib Kamhawi.
Members of the Hashemite dynasty to which King Abdullah II belongs are direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed.
- 'Enemy' of the people -
King Abdullah II has repeatedly characterised the peace with Israel as "cold and getting colder" and warned that Jerusalem was a "red line".
The status of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel annexed the city after the 1967 war in a move never recognised by the international community.
In 2017, US President Donald Trump formally recognised the city as the capital of Israel, a move that angered the Palestinians who see the eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
And in a further challenge, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads the most right-wing government in Israel's history, has vowed to annex the Jordan Valley.
"Israel, with whom we signed a peace agreement 25 years ago, is not the same today," said Oraib Rantawi, director of Al Quds Centre for Political Studies.
"This is another Israel, ruled by an ultra-nationalist religious streak."
Kamhawi agrees.
"The average Jordanian does not accept Israel as a friend or ally but considers it an enemy who has violated Palestine and the holy sites," Kamhawi said.
Youssef Rashad, a 41-year-old who works in marketing, told AFP that Israel "does not really want peace".
"Jordan respects peace with Israel but Israel... does not want peace to begin with and has used the treaty as a cover to gain time and destroy any bid for a two-state solution" with the Palestinians, he added.
Washington, which is pushing for a so-called "deal of the century" plan to solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, has ignored the stalled two-state solution and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Jordan is home to 2.2 million Palestinian refugees registered with the United Nations.
- 'Ink on paper' -
Several economic projects were struck between Jordan and Israel in the aftermath of the peace treaty but they have faltered, highlighting the rocky relations between the two neighbours.
These included the construction of a joint airport, a canal linking the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and an industrial zone.
"Most of these projects have remained ink on paper," said Rantawi.
Israel supplies water-parched Jordan with 50 million cubic meters of water a year as well as gas, while trade between the two countries is very modest.
And although more than 100,000 Israeli tourists visit Jordan each year, only 12,000 Jordanians travelled to Israel in 2018.
Security and intelligence cooperation, however, remains tightly intertwined.
Israeli ambassador Amir Weissbrod talked up the two sides' cooperation on security and water, and pointed out that Israeli visits to popular tourist sites in southern Jordan are increasing.
"We are trying to find ways to improve relations, both countries can do better," he told AFP. "Jordan is a reliable partner. We are reliable to each other."
But in a further sign of strains, King Abdullah last year announced plans to reclaim sovereignty over two small plots of territory -- Baqura and Ghumar -- leased to Israel under the 1994 peace treaty.
"For the first time, there is a signal from King Abdullah II that peace will be adversely affected by what is happening with the Palestinian issue," Rantawi said.
But Rantawi and Kamhawi also warned that the move, which has been welcomed by Jordanians as restoring the kingdom's "dignity", could spark more tensions between the two countries.
2019 AFP
Read more:
Jordan's 25-year peace with Israel 'cold and getting colder' - FRANCE 24
- Jordan - The New York Times [Last Updated On: August 21st, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 21st, 2018]
- Jordan | history - geography | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2018]
- Jordan International Travel Information [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2019]
- Jordan travel | Middle East - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2019]
- Jordan | History, Population, Flag, Map, & Facts | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2019]
- American Rhetoric: Movie Speech from Braveheart - William ... [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2019]
- Shop Sofas, Mattresses, Sectionals and more at Jordan's ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Jordan travel - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Jordan | History, Population, Flag, Map, & Facts ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Flags, rags and signs: The art of Mary Anne Jordan | The University of Kansas - KU Today [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- On this day: Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Jordan Defy SP Adds Bold Text To Its Straps - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- This is what frosty peace looks like: Israel, Jordan choose to ignore treaty's 25th anniversary - Haaretz [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Testing Nike tech: unboxing the Air Jordan XXXIV and Huarache Adapt - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 34 Red Orbit Is Releasing On October 10th - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Brings Satin To A Black And Red Colorway - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Jordan raises teachers' pay in bid to defuse nationwide strike; union unmoved - Reuters [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Another Off-White Air Jordan Collab Is Reportedly Releasing Next Year - Sole Collector [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Will There Ever Be Another Classic Air Jordan? - Complex [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington is ready to prove you wrong - ESPN [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan Road project nearing completion, Ryland Pike to start soon - WHNT News 19 [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan B. Peterson film sparks threats: 'We really don't want to have to bring out the guillotine' - Washington Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Inside NBA legend Michael Jordans stunning 6m mansion thats built into the mountains and includes a golf si - The Sun [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Cultural preservation to bring bedouins of region to Jordan - Jordan Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- How Did Jordan's Opinion Of Turbo Change After Their Challenge Beef? - MTV.com [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- The Jordan Proto React Z Is Coming In Dark Grey - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Is This Timeless Air Jordan 4 Retro Colorway Returning In 2020? - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand Travis Scott Air Jordan 6 Collection Release Info and Retail List - Nike News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris on the new position, and new attitude, that have fueled his comeback - MLSsoccer.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Second round of tests deems South Jordan's water supply safe to use and drink - Salt Lake Tribune [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Watch: Former Seattle Seahawk, Oregon Duck Dion Jordan working toward return to the NFL - OregonLive [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Rep. Jim Jordan is among those who should be held accountable for the abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss - cleveland.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Where To Buy The Air Jordan 10 Seattle - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Kyle Costa's Linguistic Journey to Jordan and Lebanon The Heights - The Heights [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan: End arbitrary detention of women who disobey male guardians or have unsanctioned relationships - Amnesty International [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- What In God's Name Happened To Jordan Tebbutt? - Deadspin [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan Peterson Pulls Out of Politicon 2019, Citing Ongoing Health Concerns - Newsweek [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan to disregard IMF proposals inconsistent with its national interests - Middle East Monitor [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Where To Buy The Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard 3.0 - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- NBA 2K gives Jordan the nod in the never-ending GOAT debate - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan I 'Fearless Ones' Collection Is Here - Maxim [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jim Jordan: impeachment inquiry has 'finally reached a boiling point' - Roll Call [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- How to Get the Shattered Backboard 3.0 Air Jordan 1 Thats Expected to Sell Out Fast - Footwear News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- 25 years on, remembering the path to peace for Jordan and Israel - Brookings Institution [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Official Images Of The Air Jordan 1 FlyEase - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Fearless Ones Collection Has Something For Everybody - Hip-Hop Wired [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand Is Going Big on Bold Colorways and Adaptive Tech for the New 'Fearless Ones' Collection - Esquire [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan urged to stop imprisoning women for defying the wishes of men - The Guardian [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Celebrate Russell Westbrooks Birthday With The Jordan Why Not ZER0.2 Scorpio - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- The Jordan Mars 270 Appears In Vast Grey And Bright Ceramic - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan: Republicans to subpoena whistleblower to testify in public hearing | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- First Look At The Air Jordan 14 SE With Perforated Uppers - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- How to Get the Two New Island Green Air Jordans Dropping Soon - Footwear News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Where the heck has Jordan Travis been all season? - 247Sports [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- If Michael Jordan believes NBA players are paid to play 82 games, he's extremely wrong - For The Win [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Raiders sign DJ Swearinger and Dion Jordan; place Joseph on IR and waive Poling - Raiders.com [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Coldplay Want You to Be Part of Their 'Everyday Life' YouTube Live-Stream From Jordan: Find Out How - Billboard [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Wizards Hachimura is poised to be a breakout star for Jordan Brand - Bullets Forever [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan Just Debuted the Trump Circus Defense - Esquire [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan to resume control over land leased to Israel - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jim Jordan joins Intelligence Committee to boost Trump in public impeachment hearings - POLITICO [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jeremy Roenick Recalls a Wild Story of Golfing and Gambling With Michael Jordan - The Action Network [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Twenty five years after peace treaty: Jordan resumes control of enclaves leased to Israel - Haaretz [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- More Images Of The Air Jordan 14 SE Black Ferrari - KicksOnFire.com [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- First Look At The Air Jordan 6 Washed Denim - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan brand introduces the Air Jordan Fearless Ones collection - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- 'It is a celebration meal': Traditional Jordanian dishes meant to share with neighbors - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Jordan Howard injury is taking longer than the Eagles once suggested it would - Bleeding Green Nation [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Here's how you can win Jordan Bohannon's shoes from the Iowa-Iowa State game - The Gazette [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Rapper Scarface of The Geto Boys Came Close to Houston City Council Seat - The Root [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- That Time Michael Jordan Lied to His Teammates in the Best Possible Way - Sportscasting [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Mid Light Smoke Grey Is The Prime Base For A Dior-Themed Custom - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- WATCH: Ellen sends actor Michael B. Jordan to give Jersey City activist the surprise of a lifetime - NJ.com [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Why Jordan Described His War Of The Worlds 2 Victory As The 'Most Bittersweet Moment' Of His Life - MTV.com [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- The Futuristic Jordan Aerospace 720 Adorns Rookie Of The Year Color Themes - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- This New Air Jordan 3 Might Be Released for NBA All-Star Weekend 2020 - Footwear News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Closer Look at the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 - Sole Collector [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- First Look At The Jordan Why Not ZER0.3 - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand's Biggest Hater Admits It Had a Great Year - Complex [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Michael B. Jordan Wears One of the Thinnest Watches in the World - GQ [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2020]