Jordan’s King Faces US Pressure Over Gaza Crisis

Tuesday 11 February 2025 - 08:07

Jordan’s King Abdullah II is set to meet with the US President in Washington, D.C., amid growing pressure from the United States to accept Palestinians expelled from Gaza. This push, framed within broader US-Israeli policies, has been met with strong resistance from Jordan, as well as other regional powers.

The proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation, particularly as it raises concerns of ethnic cleansing. Jordan, alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, has rejected the notion outright. However, the US has hinted that financial aid to Jordan and Egypt could be at risk if they do not comply.

A Red Line for Jordan

Jordan is a key recipient of US aid, having received approximately $1.72 billion in 2023. Yet, accepting the forced displacement of Palestinians is politically untenable for Amman. Analysts suggest that such a move would be a direct challenge to Jordan’s stability, given its large Palestinian population and the pro-Palestinian sentiment within the country.

King Abdullah has faced increasing pressure since the onset of the war on Gaza, balancing his country’s alliance with the US and Israel against strong domestic opposition. The proposed relocation of Palestinians has been likened to the Nakba of 1948, an event that forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Accepting such a proposal would not only fuel unrest but also threaten the legitimacy of Jordan’s monarchy.

Mass protests against the war in Gaza have taken place in Amman for over a year, with demonstrators recently taking to the streets again in opposition to the proposed displacement plan. Analysts warn that such tensions could escalate into broader instability.

Economic and Geopolitical Risks

Beyond political ramifications, Jordan must also consider economic and strategic factors. Even before the war, the country faced economic hardships that had strained its domestic stability. The potential freezing or reduction of US aid could deepen these challenges, making Jordan even more vulnerable to external pressures.

While Jordan has long been a strategic ally of the US, Trump’s administration has demonstrated a willingness to use financial aid as leverage. Some analysts suggest that Jordan and other regional players may seek closer ties with Russia and China to counterbalance US influence. The extent to which such a pivot would affect US-Jordan relations remains uncertain.

The US Military Presence in Jordan

Another key factor in this diplomatic equation is the presence of US troops in Jordan. With approximately 3,000 American military personnel stationed in the country, Jordan has played a significant role in regional security, particularly in counterterrorism operations. However, shifts in US foreign policy, including possible troop withdrawals, could reshape the dynamics of Jordan’s relationship with both the US and Israel.

If the US were to reduce its military footprint in Jordan, it might embolden Israel to take unilateral actions regarding security concerns in the region. This could further destabilize Jordan’s position and influence regional geopolitics.

King Abdullah’s visit to Washington will be a crucial test of Jordan’s ability to resist US pressure while maintaining its strategic alliances. Any decision regarding Palestinian displacement will have significant political, economic, and security implications for the kingdom. As tensions rise, Jordan’s ability to navigate this diplomatic crisis will be critical for its stability and future role in the region.