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Before Expanding the Abraham Accords, Israel Must Repair Its Relationship With #Jordan As I have argued repeatedly in recent weeks, before discussing the expansion of the Abraham Accords, which is highly unlikely without a fundamental change in Israeli policy toward the Palestinians, we should pay much closer attention to the dangerous deterioration of Israel's relationship with Jordan. King Abdullah has not spoken with Netanyahu since October 7, 2023. But the problem goes far beyond the absence of dialogue between the two leaders. Israeli policies in the West Bank, Gaza and Syria are increasingly perceived in Amman as serious threats to Jordan's national security and the stability of the Hashemite Kingdom. Of particular concern is the possibility that Israeli policies in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, annexation initiatives and settler violence, could eventually lead to the displacement of Palestinians toward Jordan. For the Jordanian leadership, this is not simply a disagreement over the Palestinian issue. It touches on the kingdom's identity, domestic stability and future. And all of this is happening at precisely the moment when Jordan is becoming even more important to both Israel and the United States. As American forces withdraw from Iraq and Washington reorganizes its military presence across the Middle East, Jordan is assuming an increasingly important role in the American regional security architecture. Its stability and continued cooperation with Washington are essential American interests. For Israel, the stakes are even higher. Jordan is not just another Arab country with which Israel has a peace treaty. It provides strategic depth, a relatively quiet eastern border and indispensable security cooperation. Any serious deterioration in the kingdom's stability could create a far more dangerous security environment for Israel. The fact that security cooperation continues despite the deterioration in political relations should not create the illusion that this situation can continue indefinitely. The growing hostility toward Israel among the Jordanian public also places serious constraints on the kingdom's leadership. So what should Israel do? The first step must be a serious political outreach to King Abdullah and the Jordanian leadership. But another meeting or diplomatic gesture will achieve very little unless it is accompanied by a genuine change in policy. Israel and Jordan need to reopen a comprehensive strategic dialogue aimed at restoring trust, strengthening security coordination and promoting joint economic, energy, water and infrastructure projects that benefit both countries. More importantly, Israel must address the issues that are driving the crisis. This means changing its policies in the West Bank, preventing steps that could lead to annexation or Palestinian displacement, addressing settler violence and maintaining the status quo at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, where Jordan has a particularly sensitive and important role. Israeli policy in Syria must also become part of this dialogue. Jordan has legitimate security concerns regarding developments along its northern border, and Israel cannot simply assume that its military actions in Syria have no implications for the kingdom. High-level political meetings are necessary, but not for another photo opportunity. They should be part of a sustained effort to rebuild the political and strategic foundations of the relationship. Washington also has an important role to play. The United States cannot afford a serious crisis between two of its closest regional security partners, especially as Jordan becomes increasingly central to the American military posture in the Middle East. American diplomacy should focus not only on bringing new countries into the Abraham Accords but also on protecting the peace agreements that already exist. There is something deeply contradictory about discussing ambitious plans for regional normalization while allowing one of Israel's most important and longstanding peace relationships to deteriorate. And the problem is not simply that expanding the Abraham Accords is unrealistic without meaningful progress on the Palestinian issue. The continuation of current Israeli policies could eventually undermine the foundations of existing peace agreements as well. Israel needs to understand that peace with Jordan is not a permanent achievement that can be taken for granted. It requires constant political investment, strategic coordination and, above all, policies that do not threaten the stability of the kingdom. Before looking for new peace agreements, Israel must make sure it does not undermine the ones it already has. Restoring relations with Jordan is not a secondary diplomatic objective. It is an urgent Israeli national security priority, and one that deserves far more attention in both Jerusalem and Washington than another round of speculation about expanding the Abraham Accords.

Ten Commitments That Could Truly Transform Israel’s Relationship with America Excellent tweet, But if you genuinely want to repair Israel’s standing in the United States, What Israel needs is not a better public relations campaign. It needs a fundamental change in policy. Here are ten commitments I would encourage you to make publicly that will really make a change in DC: A. Israel cannot and should not permanently occupy another people. The occupation is not a sustainable national strategy. It undermines Israel’s democratic character, its international legitimacy, and ultimately its own security. B. I extend my hand in peace to the Palestinian people. I recognize their right to self-determination and am prepared to engage in serious negotiations toward a political settlement that guarantees security, dignity, and a better future for both peoples. C. I will not pressure the Trump administration into launching another costly and ultimately unsuccessful military campaign against Iran. After two rounds of fighting that failed to achieve their central strategic objectives, it is time to rethink our approach. Preventing a nuclear-armed Iran must remain a priority, but another war without a realistic political endgame is not a strategy. D. Arab citizens of Israel are equal citizens, with equal rights and an equal stake in the country's future. I will not hesitate to work with their elected representatives in the Knesset, and I am prepared to consider including Arab parties in a governing coalition if we can agree on a common political agenda. E. My vision is an Israel defined by prosperity, security, and peace, not endless territorial expansion and permanent conflict. Israel will not permanently occupy Gaza or annex the West Bank. I will work closely with President Trump to fully implement his peace plan in a manner that benefits Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader international community. F. Israel has no ambition to determine who governs Lebanon or to occupy Lebanese territory. Once Israel's legitimate security requirements are met, we will withdraw to an internationally recognized, secure border and work toward a sustainable security arrangement. G. The same principle applies to Syria. Israel has no territorial ambitions in Syria and no desire to dictate who governs Damascus. Our objective is a secure border, enforceable security arrangements, and long-term regional stability. H. I will make rebuilding Israel's relationships with Egypt and Jordan a strategic priority. These peace treaties are among Israel's greatest diplomatic achievements. Let me be absolutely clear: neither Jordan nor Egypt is an alternative homeland for the Palestinian people. Israel will not support forced displacement or policies designed to transfer Palestinians into either country. I. Israel should aspire to a relationship with the United States that is increasingly based on mutual investment, innovation, and shared strategic interests rather than dependence on American taxpayer assistance. I will propose a joint US-Israel investment fund to advance major initiatives in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, energy, and scientific research, generating tangible benefits for both societies. J. I will deliver precisely the same message to European leaders. Israel wants to rebuild trust with its European partners through responsible policies, respect for international law, renewed diplomatic engagement, and a genuine commitment to peace. + Israel will fight terrorism in all its forms, without exception or double standards, including Jewish terrorism and violence against innocent Palestinians. Terrorism is terrorism, regardless of who commits it. No individual or group will be above the law, and those responsible will be held accountable. The rule of law must apply equally to everyone.. The bottom line: If you want to restore bipartisan support for Israel in Washington, rebuild trust with younger Americans, and reverse Israel's deteriorating international standing, you must first confront the policies that helped create this crisis. The problem is not that Israeli politicians are failing to explain themselves effectively in English. The problem is what they are defending. You cannot continue supporting permanent occupation, settlement expansion, endless wars, and the political exclusion of Arab citizens while expecting American public opinion to move in your favor. Israel does not need a better salesman in Washington. It needs a different policy in Jerusalem. #israel #us