Israel and Jordan Sign Declaration Ending State of Belligerency

Strategic Insights -

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan signed a declaration on the White House lawn, marking the official end of 46 years of war between the two nations. While this is not yet a formal peace treaty, it marks a significant step towards normalizing relations between Israel and Jordan. The declaration commits the two leaders to meet regularly to achieve a full peace treaty, with the United States vowing to support them in this endeavor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The declaration ends the state of belligerency between Israel and Jordan, effective immediately.
  • The agreement commits the Israeli and Jordanian leaders to meet regularly to negotiate a full peace treaty.
  • The United States has pledged to support Jordan and Israel in their efforts to achieve peace, echoing a long-standing tradition of supporting those who take risks for peace.
  • The declaration marks a significant step towards normalizing relations between Israel and Jordan, with Prime Minister Rabin calling it the "closest thing to a treaty of peace with Jordan".
  • King Hussein described the declaration as a "modest determined beginning" and expressed pride in the courage and commitment of the Jordanian people to the cause of peace.
  • The agreement also includes provisions for economic cooperation between the two countries.

Statistics:

  • 46 years: The duration of the state of war between Israel and Jordan, officially ended yesterday.
  • 10 days: The timeframe in which Israeli and Jordanian leaders came together to draft the Washington Declaration.
  • 2: The number of leaders who signed the declaration, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan.

Sources:

  • NPR's Ted Clark reports.
  • President Clinton's speech.
  • King Hussein's speech.
  • Prime Minister Rabin's speech.
  • Secretary of State Warren Christopher's statement.