Jordan and Israel 20 years later

by Hassan A. Barari | Oct 27, 2014 | http://jordantimes.com/jordan-and-israel-20-years-later

inShaThis week marks the 20th anniversary of the successful conclusion of the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, but the failure of the peace process has led many observers to ponder whether Jordan could maintain peace with Israel.

To be sure, the peace treaty has survived many strains placed upon it by regional developments and the impasse in the peace process in general. Yet, the two countries remain fundamentally divided by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israeli policies have undermined peace and it is highly unlikely that Israel will change course.

There is a growing feeling among Jordanians that the prospects for a two-state solution — believed by Jordanians to be in the best interest of Jordan — are fast waning.

If left unchecked, current Israeli policies will create facts on the ground that will prejudice the outcome of any final settlement with the Palestinians. 

Therefore, it could be argued that the persistence of the current Israeli policies will most likely undermine the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.

The Israeli policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians are hardly a recipe for peace.