Jordanians Show Mixed Reactions to Israel-Jordan Border Opening

Strategic Insights -

As the Israeli and Jordanian leaders officially opened a border crossing between their countries for the first time since the creation of Israel in 1948, the responses of Jordanians on the ground were mixed. Some watched with interest on television as Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan's Prince Hassan cut ribbons to inaugurate the crossing, while others expressed shock and skepticism about the rapid developments in the peace process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Many Jordanians were taken by surprise when King Hussein and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin held their first public meeting in Washington on July 25 and signed a declaration ending the state of war between the two countries.
  • King Hussein's gestures towards speeding up peace with Israel, including a phone call to Israeli President Ezer Weizman, have been met with both support and criticism from the Jordanian public.
  • Some Jordanians, including a retired army general, have expressed anger and resentment towards the peace process, calling it "treason" and refusing to watch developments in front of their eyes.
  • Others, like dental and oral surgeon Shakib Bilbeisi, have supported the king's efforts to speed up peace with Israel, citing the need for a end to wars and a chance for the country to move forward.
  • The rapid progress in peace between Jordan and Israel has been described as "temporary" by some, with concerns about the country's security situation and the role of Israel in the region.

Statistics:

  • The border crossing between Jordan and Israel was opened for the first time since the creation of Israel in 1948.
  • King Hussein and Yasser Arafat shook hands in a historic photograph displayed in a photography studio shop in Jabal Hussein.
  • 35-year-old accountant Ibrahim expressed concern that Jordan was welcoming Israel while the Israeli army was "blowing up fellow Arabs in South Lebanon."
  • 55-year-old electronics shop owner expressed reluctance to trade with Israel, stating "I will not buy or sell Israeli products."

Sources:

  • United Press International
  • King Hussein and Rabin's declaration ending the state of war between Jordan and Israel, signed in Washington on July 25
  • Interview with Samir Kaddoumi, 33, photography studio owner
  • Interview with Ibrahim, 35-year-old accountant
  • Interview with 55-year-old electronics shop owner
  • Interview with Shakib Bilbeisi, dental and oral surgeon
  • Interview with retired army general Abu Adnan from Shobak.