Why Jordan Backed Israel: A Strategic

For decades, Jordan has been viewed as a key mediator in the Middle East—a country that balances its relationships with both Western allies and its Arab neighbors. Yet, in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Israel-Gaza conflicts, a noticeable shift has occurred: Jordan has taken positions that, to many observers, appear to quietly support Israel. This change has left many wondering: why would a historically pro-Palestinian nation like Jordan back Israel, directly or indirectly? The answer lies in a complex mix of security interests, regional realignments, domestic challenges, and international pressure.

Historical Context: Jordan and the Palestinian Cause

Jordan shares a long and sensitive history with the Palestinian issue. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jordan annexed the West Bank and East Jerusalem—areas with a dense Palestinian population. It wasn't until 1988 that Jordan relinquished its claim to the West Bank in favor of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Yet, the majority of Jordan’s population today is of Palestinian origin, making the issue deeply intertwined with the kingdom’s social fabric.

Despite its 1994 peace treaty with Israel, Jordan has often walked a tightrope, showing diplomatic cooperation with Israel while publicly maintaining solidarity with Palestinians. But in the past few years, especially under King Abdullah II, Jordan’s stance has gradually tilted in ways that seem to align more closely with Israeli interests.

Security Comes First

One of the primary reasons Jordan backs Israel is national security. Jordan borders Syria to the north and Iraq to the east—two nations plagued by instability and extremism over the past decade. With ISIS and other jihadist elements operating nearby, Jordan's internal security has become its top priority.

Israel, on the other hand, possesses advanced intelligence capabilities and surveillance technology. Through security cooperation, Jordan gains critical information about terrorist threats, smuggling routes, and border incursions. In return, Israel receives Jordanian support in controlling movements between its eastern border and the Jordan Valley—a region Israel views as strategic.

Furthermore, Israel has helped Jordan monitor and control potential threats from within its borders, especially after the Arab Spring unrest. This kind of security cooperation often happens behind closed doors but reflects the silent partnership that has grown over time.

Shared Concern Over Iran

Both Jordan and Israel view Iran as a major regional threat. While Israel worries about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, Jordan fears Tehran’s influence through Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. Iran’s involvement in Syria has pushed Jordan and Israel into a shared strategic vision, particularly in southern Syria, near Jordan’s border.

This concern has become more urgent since Iran-backed groups have reportedly moved closer to Jordan’s northeastern border. In this environment, Jordan sees Israel not as an adversary, but as a counterbalance to Iran’s regional expansion.

The Abraham Accords and Regional Realignment

The signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries including the UAE and Bahrain, marked a turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy. While Jordan was not a direct signatory, the Accords signaled a broader shift in the Arab world’s approach to Israel.

Countries that had once shunned Israel now saw it as a potential ally in trade, technology, and security. Jordan, dependent on Gulf financial aid and keen not to be left behind, subtly adjusted its position. By maintaining its peace treaty with Israel and engaging in quiet cooperation, Jordan preserved its relevance in this new Middle Eastern order

Domestic Challenges and Economic Realities

Jordan is also under immense economic pressure. The country suffers from high unemployment, limited natural resources, and growing debt. The COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse. International aid—especially from the U.S., EU, and Gulf states—has become essential for Jordan’s economic stability.

Supporting Israel or avoiding open conflict with it is often seen as a condition, whether stated or not, for receiving Western support. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, provides over $1.5 billion in aid to Jordan annually. By aligning itself with U.S. policies in the region, Jordan ensures this aid keeps flowing.

Moreover, Israel supplies Jordan with significant amounts of water and gas. In a region plagued by drought and resource scarcity, Jordan’s survival is tied to such deals—even if they are unpopular among its citizens.

Quiet Diplomacy vs Public Sentiment

While the Jordanian government engages with Israel for strategic reasons, public opinion in Jordan remains staunchly pro-Palestinian. Mass protests often erupt whenever Israeli military operations occur in Gaza or the West Bank. The Jordanian parliament has passed motions condemning Israel and calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador—although the government usually stops short of taking such drastic steps.

This dichotomy shows the delicate balancing act Jordan must perform. The royal palace manages public anger while maintaining quiet diplomatic and security ties with Israel. King Abdullah II has often spoken against Israeli settlements and actions in Jerusalem, especially concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Yet, behind the scenes, cooperation continues.

Religious Responsibility and Jerusalem

Jordan also holds a special status as the custodian of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This responsibility gives Jordan significant religious and political leverage. While it publicly defends Palestinian rights in Jerusalem, its role as custodian has often required coordination with Israeli authorities.

Ironically, maintaining this role sometimes necessitates backing Israeli administrative decisions to avoid losing influence to other Muslim countries, such as Turkey or Saudi Arabia, that might challenge Jordan’s authority over the holy sites.

Conclusion: Realpolitik Over Ideology

Jordan’s support for Israel—whether overt or implied—is not born out of ideology or betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Instead, it reflects realpolitik, the practice of prioritizing national interests over emotional or ideological concerns. For Jordan, a small country in a volatile neighborhood, survival often means compromise.

Backchannel diplomacy, intelligence-sharing, economic dependency, and regional threats have all driven Jordan to align more closely with Israel, even if unofficially. As regional alliances continue to evolve and new threats emerge, Jordan’s position will likely remain flexible, pragmatic, and deeply strategic.

While this may upset many Palestinians and pro-Palestinian Jordanians, it is a path that King Abdullah II seems determined to follow—one that prioritizes the kingdom’s stability above all else.

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