Members of the Israeli security forces walk past the Dome of the Rock mosque as they enter the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, during a protest by Palestinians in response to chants by Israeli ultranationalists targeting Islam's Prophet Mohammed in the March of Flags earlier this week, following the Friday prayers, on June 18, 2021. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)
Former officials and strategic analysts are expressing alarm regarding Israel’s recent land registration policies and military actions in the occupied West Bank. They interpret these developments as a prelude to a potential shift towards an “alternative homeland” scenario, wherein Jordan might be positioned as the de facto state for Palestinians. Historical dismissals of this notion in Jordanian diplomatic circles have given way to profound concern as these realities appear increasingly immediate.
Israeli Government Measures and Their Impact
The approval by the Israeli cabinet on Sunday to designate extensive areas of the occupied West Bank as “state land” under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Ministry of Justice has heightened tensions. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich characterized this initiative as a “settlement revolution,” effectively bypassing the military administration that has governed the area since 1967. This perceived annexation signals an alarming shift for Jordan, marking the end of the existing status quo and prompting fears among its political and military leadership about the implications for Palestinian refugees.
International Relations and Security Concerns
The changes have prompted a reevaluation of Jordan’s military strategies amid concerns about a “soft transfer” that could force Palestinians to migrate to Jordan. The Land registration shift is viewed as an effort to facilitate settlement expansion, undermining longstanding protections for Palestinian land ownership. The former Deputy Prime Minister of Jordan, Mamdouh al-Abbadi, commented that the alternative homeland scenario is rapidly evolving into a tangible threat, with the potential consequences stretching towards Jordan’s eastern banks.
Military Preparations and Responses
As diplomatic options diminish, Jordan’s military responses are being scrutinized. The Jordan Valley, considered vital agricultural land, has now become a strategic area of defense. Major-General (retired) Mamoun Abu Nowar contended that Israeli incursions might initiate what he called an “undeclared war” on Jordan. He suggested that Jordan might need to declare the Jordan Valley a closed military zone to prevent forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
Shifts in Jordan’s International Alliances
Jordan’s longstanding alliance with the United States appears to be weakening as the country feels increasingly isolated. Analysts like Oraib al-Rantawi highlight a significant shift in American foreign policy that seems to prioritize Israeli interests over those of Jordan. This alteration raises concerns about Jordan’s ability to navigate its geopolitical challenges effectively while managing its security needs in the face of potential Israeli actions.
Domestic Military Enhancements and Cultural Mobilization
In light of the current situation, Jordan has reinstated its mandatory military service program, referred to as “Flag Service,” after a hiatus of 35 years. This initiative aims to enhance combat readiness amidst evolving regional threats. Calls for universal military conscription have also emerged, with officials emphasizing the importance of readiness to face external challenges. Suggestions include learning Hebrew to better understand and mitigate potential threats from Israel.
The Road Ahead for Jordan
With the Israeli Ministry of Justice moving to alter land ownership titles in the West Bank, erasing Palestinian claims in legal documents, Jordan stands on precarious ground. Prominent figures warning of increasing regional instability assert that the situation demands immediate and decisive action from the Jordanian leadership to safeguard national interests amidst rising existential threats.
Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!
The Jharkhand State Housing Board has announced that a notice has been issued to former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni regarding the supposed...
At the age of 80, Kanwal Rekhi, an Indian-American entrepreneur and influential figure in Silicon Valley, has released a memoir titled "The Ground Breaker."...
Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has expressed serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the recent accident that led to...
