Jordan’s Concerns and Trump’s Plan
Donald Trump‘s plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Jordan is creating a significant concern in Jordan, potentially spreading radicalism throughout the Middle East and threatening the country’s peace and survival. King Abdullah of Jordan is planning to convey these concerns to Trump during their meeting in Washington on February 11. According to three senior Jordanian officials, this relocation proposal is creating strong public opposition in Jordan as it poses an identity issue rather than an economic or security concern.
Strong Public Opposition
Marwan Muasher, a former Jordanian foreign minister, noted that this plan is existential for Jordan and cannot be entertained due to the strong public opposition. King Abdullah has been reaching out to regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, to garner support against the relocation proposal. A senior Jordanian official described this situation as the most significant test in Jordan’s strategic ties with the U.S.
White House’s Stance
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that President Trump looks forward to discussing ways to collaborate with King Abdullah to achieve peace in the Middle East. However, a senior Jordanian government official highlighted that the Kingdom’s position against mass displacement has been clearly outlined in recent statements by the King.
Concerns of Mass Expulsion
For Jordan, Trump’s proposal to resettle around 2 million Gazans resembles a nightmare scenario of mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. This vision aligns with the long-held belief by right-wing Israelis that Jordan could serve as an alternative Palestinian homeland. The concern is amplified by the increasing violence at Jordan’s border with the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Palestinian statehood hopes are being undermined by expanding Jewish settlements. Jordan fears that relocating Gazans could pave the way for the expulsion of an additional 3 million Palestinians from the West Bank.
Egypt and Jordan’s Shared Concerns
While Egypt also worries about Trump’s idea, it is even more critical for Jordan, which has already absorbed more Palestinians than any other state following Israel’s creation in 1948. Over half of Jordan’s population of 11 million is estimated to be Palestinian. Muasher explained that Jordan’s peace with Israel aimed to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state within Jordan, but this official argument is now being questioned by the establishment itself.
Jordan’s Strategic Importance
Jordan has been a close Western ally since gaining independence from Britain in 1946. The country hosts U.S. forces under a treaty allowing them to deploy at Jordanian bases. Jordan has managed to shield itself from conflicts in neighboring Iraq and Syria over the last two decades. However, Jordan is now preparing for worst-case scenarios, including declaring a state of war with Israel, abrogating the peace treaty, or declaring a state of emergency
Economic and Military Pressure
Jordan is getting ready for the possibility of losing U.S. economic support, which would be very difficult for the country during these tough times. Despite this, Jordan still refuses to accept Trump’s relocation plan. King Abdullah is asking other allies to give more support, like the recent deal with the European Union, which will give Jordan 3 billion euros over the next two years. Jordan has also made it easier for the anti-American Islamic Action Front, which is connected to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, to hold protests.
Conclusion
Trump’s relocation proposal has made the already tense situation in the Middle East even worse. King Abdullah is trying to convince Trump that this plan will not work and plans to talk to U.S. politicians who have strong connections with Jordan to gain their support. At the same time, Jordan has to deal with the risk of losing U.S. financial aid, which is very important for the country. Despite this, Jordan is determined to stand firm against the possibility of a large number of Palestinians moving into the country. This is because such a massive influx could seriously change Jordan’s identity and even threaten its existence as it is today.
