Alerts

The New Jordanian-Palestinian Chasm

Is Jordan reasserting guardianship in Jerusalem?
Share this
Jordan’s King Abdullah and the Palestinian Authority’s Abu Mazen in 2005.
Better days: Jordan’s King Abdullah and the Palestinian Authority’s Abu Mazen in 2005. (Released by the Jordanian Palace)

Table of Contents

King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered his “Crown Speech” on May 24, 2015, to commemorate Jordanian independence day and the 70th anniversary of the founding of Jordan’s Hashemite monarchy.  His attitude toward the Palestinian issue deserves attention. 

Abdullah stated that Palestine is part of the “Arabism [uruba]” of the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks declared on June 5, 1916, and he stressed the centrality of the al-Aqsa Mosque as the primary responsibility of the Hashemites.1

The Arab Revolt saw the Hashemites joining the British in World War I which ended the Ottoman Caliphate and established Arab nationalism in its ruins.

Winston Churchill, British Secretary of State for the Colonies, with King Abdullah I and T. E. Lawrence (“of Arabia”), in Jerusalem, 1921.
Fateful meeting. Winston Churchill, British Secretary of State for the Colonies, with King Abdullah I and T. E. Lawrence (“of Arabia”), in Jerusalem, 1921.  The three discussed the establishment of Transjordan in the secret meeting.

Abdullah ignored Palestinian desires for a state – and Palestinian nationalism, in general ― and declared that Palestine is part of “Arabism” [Arab identity] meaning that there is no Palestinian distinctiveness.

The Crown Speech came after a progressive deterioration in relations between Jordan and the Palestinian Authority to the point of a break between the King and the head of the PA, Abu Mazen.  It began two years ago when Palestinians forced the Jordanian delegation to the UN Security Council to submit a proposal contrary to Jordan’s position on Jerusalem.  It continued with the shameful expulsion of a senior Jordanian religious figure from the al-Aqsa Mosque, Jordan’s failure to install security cameras on the Temple Mount after Palestinian objections, and most recently, the abrogation of a written agreement between Jordan and the PA about Jordan representing Jerusalem at UNESCO.  A reminder: the Palestinians passed a decision at UNESCO erasing Jewish history on the Temple Mount.

Looming over the Jordanian-PA rift is the possible Jordanian option to close the bridges over the Jordan River as Egypt closed its Rafah crossing with Gaza.  Jordan threatened to do so after the expulsion of its representatives from the al-Aqsa Mosque, and it has never rescinded the threat.  This explains a delegation of Hebron merchants to Jordan to create a separate commercial arrangement between Hebron and Jordan that would not be harmed by the bridge closings.  A large delegation of the Hebron Hills villages is currently being organized.

* * *

Notes

1. http://kingabdullah.jo/index.php/en_US/speeches/view/id/587/videoDisplay/0.html

Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II On the Occasion of Jordan’s 70th Independence Day

Amman, Jordan

24 May 2016

(Translated from Arabic)

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

Jordan is celebrating its 70th Independence Day, along with the centennial of the Great Arab Revolt and Arab renaissance. These historical occasions have planted and nourished the seeds of our homeland, with sacrifice, bravery and a deep sense of belonging. They are the source of our values, principles and the foundations of our policies. We stand together to commemorate the events that shaped our history and to honour the leaders, and the men and women, who set the course that lit our path towards the future.

These principles ― embraced by the generations of the Arab Revolt ― are the beacon that led the way to independence and the Jordan of the future. The Independence Proclamation was signed 70 years ago by our Founding Grandfather [His Majesty the late King Abdullah I], here at Raghadan Palace, rendering this place a witness to the sacrifices and values that steered the building of Jordan.

Even now, the first bullet fired in the Great Arab Revolt still echoes in the skies of our nation. Every Jordanian carries inside something of that day and these principles lie at the centre of his or her identity.

Our generation should realise that the Great Arab Revolt was not an isolated event in history. Rather, it was the beginning of a nation established on clear principles that reflect the true nature of Jordanians, as a people with an exceptional ability to survive the tests of time, laying the foundations for our continuing development.

Jordan, the heir to the banner of the Great Arab Revolt and the renaissance it ignited, is founded on justice, equality, citizenship and the rule of law. There is no difference between Jordanians, except by what they do for their country.

I am inspired by the clear vision of Sharif Hussein and his call for unity, freedom and pluralism as well as his advocacy of religious harmony. It was he who said, “The Arabs were Arabs before they were Muslims or Christians.”

This nation was built on unity and a unifying national identity that embraces all those, who, with dignity and pride in being Jordanian, believe in this country, cherish and defend it. Every citizen is a full partner in the process of building, hard work and giving, and they share rights and duties.

With the principles it embodies, our country stands strong, proud and dignified. Resilient, it moves forward despite difficult times, while other nations have fallen apart.

Our country’s pride in its religion and Arab identity is a national constant. Jordan was founded on the religious legitimacy of the Hashemites, who advocate Islam in a way that presents to the world the true image of this religion as a faith of tolerance that rejects all forms of extremism and violence.

Jordan, with its unifying identity, welcomes and supports its Arab brethren. Despite its size and meagre resources, it stands out in the world as a bright example of compassion, generosity and a nation that aids those in need.

And despite all the challenges, Jordan’s solid national unity, social coherence and peaceful nature give it strength.

Our country believes that political solutions are the only way to ensure international cooperation and justice in a global community. The cause that the Great Arab Revolt defended, and the one that is our foremost priority, is the Arab identity of Palestine.

Our great grandfather [Sharif Hussein] was sent into exile and sacrificed his throne while defending the Arab identity of Palestine. He spent everything he owned to renovate Al Aqsa Mosque; hence, he was called the ‘Friend of Al Aqsa’ in his life and the ‘Neighbour of Al Aqsa’ in his death. And the Hashemites still fulfil their responsibilities and duties towards the holy sites of Jerusalem.

Jordan is built on sacrifice and its people never hesitate to serve and defend their homeland. Jordanians are the descendants of the men who carried the banner of the Revolt and those who offered themselves in the name of the nation.

Brothers and sisters, With the help of God, and the determination and awareness of its people, Jordan has emerged as a country with a message: the message of freedom, peace, harmony and development, relying on our principles and proud of our identity and achievements.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

Pinhas Inbari

Pinhas Inbari is a veteran Arab affairs correspondent who formerly reported for Israel Radio and <em>Al Hamishmar</em> newspaper, and currently serves as an analyst for the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.
Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
Canada investigating Israeli-Canadian IDF soldiers?
JCFA senior researcher, Amb. Alan Baker slams the probe as a “political PR stunt with no legal basis.” “This isn’t justice—it’s a betrayal. Canada is siding with PLO propaganda over facts.”
11:29am
The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close