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Report: Israel, Jordan working towards joint infrastructure projects
According to the Israeli business daily Globes, a senior Israeli delegation recently met Jordan’s prime minister to discuss advancing a number of bilateral projects to boost cooperation over water, natural gas and other infrastructure.
The Israeli delegation led by Deputy Minister of Regional Cooperation Ayoob Kara, met Jordan’s Prime Minister Hani al-Muki and other officials earlier this month. One of the topics discussed was a potentially significant natural gas deal. Globes says that an agreement is expected to be announced soon, with Israel set to supply Jordan with 45 billion cubic meters of natural gas over 15 years. Jordan has no natural energy resources of its own and finds its current infrastructure stretched, especially given a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring Syria.
A major Israel-Jordan water-sharing project, in partnership with the Palestinian Authority, is already underway and was also discussed. It is designed to help meet both countries’ water needs and replenish the dwindling Dead Sea which Israel and Jordan both border.
Another topic for discussion was the development of a joint industrial zone. The “Shaar Hayarden” zone would apparently be established just south of the Israeli town of Beit Shean. Jordanian factories and logistics warehouses in Israel would work together, with goods sent tariff free to the United States.
In addition, there were talks over opening an additional border crossing between the two countries, primarily to allow more Jordanians to work in Israel. Deputy Minister Kara is quoted saying: “Bringing in more Jordanian workers to Israel strengthens peace between the countries. Israel has a clear interest in strengthening the Jordanian economy so that it can combat extreme elements such as ISIS.”
Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994 and have since enjoyed a mostly warm relationship. It is thought that the two countries cooperate closely on security matters. Israel is apparently planning to strengthen the border with Jordan in order to combat the potential threat of terror infiltration.