Israel-Jordan Relations Deteriorate Over Water Resource Disputes July 8, 2026 Strained relations between Israel and Jordan have escalated over disputes regarding water resources, with Israel refusing to renew a 2021 agreement that had doubled the amount of water supplied to Jordan. The disagreement highlights deeper political and economic tensions between the two nations, despite their 1994 peace treaty. Historical Context and Current Crisis Under the 1994 peace treaty, Israel agreed to supply Jordan with 50 million cubic meters of water annually. However, in 2021, Israel and Jordan signed a new agreement to increase this to 100 million cubic meters, addressing Jordan’s severe water scarcity. Jordan, which relies heavily on desalination and groundwater, has faced growing challenges due to climate change and population growth. Israel, however, has halted further water transfers, citing unresolved political issues and demands for Jordan to normalize relations with Israel. Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation has criticized Israel’s stance, calling it a betrayal of the 1994 agreement and a threat to regional stability. Conditions for Resuming Supplies Israel has set conditions for resuming water supplies, including Jordan’s commitment to resolving disputes with Palestinian territories and improving bilateral relations. Jordan’s King Abdullah II has emphasized that water cooperation is a cornerstone of regional peace, warning that the crisis could destabilize the Middle East. Trilateral Summit and New Projects To address the crisis, Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to hold a trilateral summit in August 2026. The meeting aims to revive a 2021 proposal for a joint solar energy and water project.#israel #united_arab_emirates #jordan #king_abdullah_ii #gaza_strip
