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Israel-Jordan Peace Facing 'Significant Challenge'

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. l-jordan-peace-facing-significant-challenge.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 6:08 GMT by The Jerusalem Post Blogs
      Locales: ISRAEL, UNITED STATES

Amman, Jordan - February 5th, 2026 - The fragile peace that has characterized the relationship between Israel and Jordan is facing its most significant challenge in years, raising concerns about the broader stability of the Abraham Accords and the potential for renewed regional unrest. A public and increasingly sharp dispute over the management of the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif - a site holy to both Jews and Muslims - is the catalyst, exposing long-simmering frustrations and threatening to fracture a decades-long, albeit often uneasy, partnership.

The current crisis stems from increased tensions surrounding access to the Temple Mount following the recent conclusion of the Ramadan holiday. Israeli police actions, aimed at preventing entry to individuals affiliated with Islamic Jihad, triggered clashes with Palestinian worshippers. These clashes, coupled with rocket fire from the Gaza Strip targeting Israeli cities, prompted Israel to bolster its security presence at the contested site. Jordan, however, views this increased presence as a violation of the 1994 peace treaty and a breach of the established status quo governing the religious affairs of the area.

King Abdullah II has voiced strong displeasure, publicly stating that Amman is "assessing the situation," a diplomatic phrase often preceding significant policy shifts. This assessment, sources within the Jordanian government indicate, includes a re-evaluation of the country's tacit support for the Abraham Accords, the landmark normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. While Jordan has not officially joined the Accords, its quiet endorsement has been considered crucial for their legitimacy and regional impact.

"This is the first real test of the Abraham Accords," explains Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a veteran of Middle East diplomacy. "The relationship has been quiet but not warm, and now we're seeing that quiet unravel. If Jordan begins to actively distance itself, it sends a powerful signal to other Arab states about the viability and sustainability of normalizing relations with Israel."

The Temple Mount's unique and sensitive status is at the heart of the dispute. Held sacred by both faiths - Judaism considers it the holiest site, while Islam recognizes it as the third holiest - its administration has been a source of contention for decades. Following Israel's capture of East Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, during the 1967 Six-Day War, Jordan retained a special role in managing the religious affairs of the area under a longstanding agreement with Israel. This agreement, crucially, has allowed Jordan to maintain a degree of influence and oversight, preventing the potential for unilateral Israeli actions that could ignite widespread unrest.

Israeli officials have responded to Jordanian criticism by accusing Amman of overlooking legitimate security concerns and demanding condemnation of the rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement arguing that Jordan should prioritize countering terrorism over criticizing Israel's necessary security measures. This exchange highlights a fundamental disconnect in perspectives: Israel views the situation through the lens of security threats and the need to maintain control, while Jordan frames it as a matter of religious sovereignty and the preservation of the status quo.

Despite the escalating tensions, it's important to note that both countries have a history of robust security and intelligence cooperation. Jordan has historically provided refuge for Israeli citizens during times of conflict, demonstrating a level of pragmatic collaboration that transcends political disagreements. Shira Efron, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, believes a complete breakdown in relations is unlikely. "Both countries have too much to lose," she says. "However, this crisis is a warning sign that even normalized relationships are fragile and require constant nurturing."

The potential ramifications of a deteriorating Jordan-Israel relationship extend far beyond the immediate dispute over the Temple Mount. Jordan serves as a crucial buffer state between Israel and other Arab nations, and its stability is vital for regional security. A significant disruption in ties could embolden extremist groups, exacerbate existing conflicts, and further complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace. Furthermore, the implications for the Abraham Accords are substantial; a loss of Jordanian support could weaken the Accords' momentum and potentially encourage other Arab states to reconsider their own normalization efforts.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the current crisis can be de-escalated. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with both sides signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue, but the path forward remains uncertain. The future of the Abraham Accords, and perhaps even regional stability, may well depend on the ability of Israel and Jordan to bridge the growing divide and reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful, albeit complex, coexistence.