When Will We Fight Israel?

Eng. Saleem Al Batayneh

These days, I find that many people I meet are lost, hopeless, and frustrated. They struggle to comprehend the realities unfolding around them and fear that the relentless demonization of Zionism will lead Jordan to an uncertain and painful fate. We are confronted with a bitter reality that seems to demand our acceptance, even as it gnaws at our conscience.

The French philosopher Henri Bergson once said, “A joke is an attempt to conquer oppression.” It serves as a protest against imbalances and injustices, a way to voice the unspoken and challenge the status quo. This brings me to the question posed in the title: When will we fight Israel? At first glance, it may seem naive, even absurd. It feels like a figment of the imagination, a mere scribble on paper. Perhaps it deserves to remain unanswered, as the very question hints at a deeper, more troubling truth.

Yet, I find this question pressing, especially in light of recent statements from Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh, who declared any Israeli attempt to displace Palestinians from the West Bank into Jordan a “red line” and a declaration of war. Those who engage with politics thoughtfully recognize the implications of this statement; the aftermath of the Gaza conflict is set to cast long shadows over the West Bank, and the potential for Palestinian displacement looms large.

Hamas may have been drawn into this conflict, but the real objective appears to be the seizure of land in both the West Bank and Gaza. We have endured decades of empty promises and assurances of prosperity that have only deepened our poverty and unemployment. It is clear that the United States has little interest in achieving genuine peace in the Middle East, and relying on their goodwill is a perilous gamble.

Jordan has long faced daunting choices under the weight of shifting American policies, and recent articles from American commentators only heighten my concern. Matthew Petti warned that the most extreme version of the Israeli coalition government could involve the permanent displacement of Palestinians into Jordan. Jonathan Panikoff, a former intelligence official, bluntly stated that while Israel is not asked to sacrifice Tel Aviv for Jordan’s sake, Jordan may be dismantled for the sake of Israel.

What must be understood is this: every Jordanian knows what it means when people speak of “any land west of the river.” Some may find it hard to accept, but we must confront a painful truth. We are spectators in a play where we are both the audience and the actors, trapped in outdated narratives and powerless rhetoric.

Israel’s actions in the West Bank pose a grave threat to Jordan’s national security. This reality demands vigilance and rationality if we are to avoid falling into Israel’s trap. We find ourselves at a crossroads, and the need for decisive action has never been more urgent.

As time passes, the evidence mounts that Israel does not seek stability in Jordan; it represents our greatest threat. The question is no longer merely rhetorical: Will we continue to stand idly by, or will we reconsider our peace agreement and take a stand against Israel? It is time to confront this reality with the seriousness it deserves. The future of Jordan may depend on it.

Al Batayneh was a member of the Jordanian Parliament.