The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict #66: "I've Always Believed That If You Put In The Work, The Results Will Come."

Good morning, class! A new week has just begun, and it’s wonderful to see you all here.

Even when you're quiet, I can still see your attendance in the lesson. I know you're swamped with work, kids, and whatever else life throws your way. Thank you for coming on time; I appreciate that. So, without further ado, let’s delve into today's lesson, which is focused on Jordan.

Between Oslo Accords I and Oslo Accords II, Israel Signed A Peace Agreement With Jordan

Israel and Jordan officially signed the peace agreement on October 26, 1994. The agreement regulated the relations, borders, and distribution of resources between the countries, ensuring mutual cooperation and an end to the fighting. The signing ceremony took place at the Arava terminal on the Israel-Jordan border. Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan were the signatories of the contract, with President Bill Clinton of the United States signing as a witness. Thus, Jordan became the second Arab country (after Egypt) to sign a peace agreement with the State of Israel.

Background: Israel and Jordan Relations from the 1960s to the 1980s

In 1960, Jordan posed an obstacle to the attempt to create a union between Egypt and Syria under the United Arab Republic. Attempts were made to assassinate Jordanian leaders to sow embarrassment that would pave the way for Jordan's annexation to the United Arab Republic.

After the assassination of Jordan's Prime Minister, Hazza' Majali, King Hussein of Jordan planned a retaliatory action against Syria, which required the dilution of forces deployed along the border. For this, he needed to maintain peace on the border with Israel. An envoy from Jordan who investigated the issue with Israel wanted to find out whether Israel would take advantage of this situation to harm Jordan. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion responded that Jordan's existence as an independent state was in Israel's interest. This was the first step of an unofficial partnership between Israel and Jordan.

Additionally, Israel served as a deterrent to forces attempting to overthrow Hussein's regime, prompting Hussein to recognize Israel's contribution to deterrence and its remarkable contribution to preventing its neglect by the United States. This recognition led to the opening of a high-level direct channel between Israel and Jordan. In the 1950s and 1960s, Israel discouraged foreign Arab forces from deploying inside Jordanian territory, preventing the Iraqi army from entering it.

In 1967, Hussein joined the war against Israel, leading to a break in talks between Israel and Jordan. In 1970, a Palestinian coup attempt was made in Jordan, during which Syrian tanks entered its territory. Israel aided Jordan, concentrating IDF forces near its border with Syria and patrolling the skies over Jordan with Air Force planes. These measures deterred the Syrians and forced them to withdraw from Jordan. After suppressing the coup, Hussein thanked Israel for its help but was careful not to do so publicly, and Israel also avoided publicizing the Israeli-Jordanian connection.

On September 25, 1973, Hussein warned Golda Meir that stagnation in the regional political process could accelerate war. The previous spring, Egyptian and Syrian attempts were made to include Jordan in preparations for war, but Hussein was reluctant to participate. During the Yom Kippur War, Israel and Jordan made careful attempts not to escalate tensions. When Jordan intended to send armored forces to the Golan Heights area, it communicated this intention through a telegram through Henry Kissinger.

In April 1987, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shimon Peres, and officials in the Jordanian government, including Prime Minister Zeid al-Rifa'i, held secret talks. As part of the talks held in London, Peres tried to promote the idea that the Kingdom of Jordan would regain control of the Palestinian population in the West Bank in some form and, at the same time, sign a peace treaty with Israel. After Peres and King Hussein of Jordan signed a framework agreement subject to discussions and the agreement of the governments, known as the London Agreement, Peres returned to Israel and tried to promote the agreement through the mediation of the United States. However, Prime Minister Shamir opposed the agreement, and led to its scuttle, both because of the fear that an international conference mediating the discussions of the agreement might put pressure on Israel to reach a solution contrary to its interests and because Peres refused to hand over a copy of the signed framework agreement "for fear of leaks."

Curious to know what happened next? Join me for tomorrow's lesson and find out!

That's all for today, class. We'll continue tomorrow.

Take care.

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