How did the signing of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty influence the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The signing of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty significantly reduced tensions and brought a degree of stability to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The Israel-Jordan peace treaty, signed on 26th October 1994, was a landmark event in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It marked the end of a 46-year official state of war between Jordan and Israel and was only the second peace treaty between Israel and its Arab neighbours, following the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty of 1979. The treaty had a profound influence on the dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, primarily by reducing tensions and fostering a climate of relative stability in the region.

The treaty was a culmination of secret negotiations between the two countries that had been ongoing for several years. It was facilitated by the broader peace process, particularly the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1993. The treaty established mutual recognition, ended the state of war that had existed since 1948, and resolved several key issues such as water sharing and border demarcation. It also opened the way for cooperation in various fields, including tourism, agriculture, and trade, which helped to normalise relations between the two countries.

The signing of the treaty significantly reduced the threat of a two-front war for Israel, which had been a major security concern since its establishment in 1948. This allowed Israel to focus more on its southern and northern fronts, particularly in dealing with threats from groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. For Jordan, the treaty brought an end to its isolation within the Arab world, which had been a consequence of its perceived closeness to the West and its pragmatic approach towards Israel.

However, the treaty also had its critics. Many Palestinians felt betrayed by Jordan's decision to sign a separate peace treaty with Israel, arguing that it undermined the collective Arab bargaining position and the Palestinian cause. Similarly, hardliners in Israel criticised the treaty for making too many concessions to Jordan and for failing to secure a comprehensive peace with all Arab states.

In conclusion, the Israel-Jordan peace treaty had a significant influence on the Arab-Israeli conflict. It reduced tensions, brought a degree of stability to the region, and opened the way for cooperation between Israel and Jordan. However, it also sparked controversy and criticism, reflecting the complexities and challenges of the peace process in the Middle East.