Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
By Saleem Al Batayneh
In an era marked by global complexities and regional turbulence, Jordan’s reemergence of confederation discussions with the West Bank is a disconcerting leap into the unknown. This proposition, floated by a former official, reeks of political myopia—a blindness to reality that threatens to dismantle the Palestinian national project and advance the Zionist colonial agenda. This move, which aims to dissolve Palestinian aspirations, also risks destabilizing Jordan, altering its demographic and geographic landscape in an irreversible manner.
The Jordanian public is no stranger to unexpected political initiatives that seemingly come out of nowhere, often with little clarity or foresight. The recent call for a Jordanian-West Bank confederation is not new; it echoes a dangerous historical narrative that seeks to blur the lines of sovereignty and self-determination. Such propositions are not only shortsighted but also perilously ignorant of the broader geopolitical stakes. They serve as a smokescreen for more sinister objectives, primarily the completion of the so-called “Deal of the Century” and the further entrenchment of Israeli occupation.
What is particularly alarming about the timing of this renewed confederation debate is its coinciding with significant political developments. The Israeli Knesset’s recent vote against the establishment of a Palestinian state in any form underscores the urgency of the situation. This, coupled with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, hints at a coordinated effort to reignite the confederation debate, possibly as a prelude to a more comprehensive policy shift in the region.
The former official’s argument that the West Bank is Jordanian territory, based on a misinterpretation of historical UN resolutions and Jordan’s 1952 constitution, is a dangerous fallacy. It disregards international law, which clearly identifies the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as occupied Palestinian territory. The international community, save for a few exceptions, recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. This recognition is not merely a political stance but a legal obligation under international law, affirmed by the International Court of Justice and the United Nations General Assembly.
The push for a confederation, as suggested, is not a genuine solution but a direct attack on both Palestinian and Jordanian sovereignty. It is an attempt to undermine the Palestinian quest for independence and shift the burden of the refugee crisis onto Jordan, thereby absolving Israel of its responsibilities. Such a move would not only destabilize Jordan but also disrupt the delicate balance of regional politics, potentially igniting further conflict.
This proposal also reflects a deep misunderstanding of the Palestinian struggle and the aspirations of its people. The Palestinian issue is not just a territorial dispute; it is a fight for dignity, justice, and the right to self-governance. The confederation idea, as floated, fails to acknowledge the fundamental requirement for any such arrangement: the prior establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Anything less is an affront to the Palestinian cause and a betrayal of international principles of justice and equity.
Jordan’s role in this scenario should be one of support for Palestinian independence, not complicity in schemes that seek to erase Palestinian identity and sovereignty. The relationship between Jordanians and Palestinians is not a matter of political expediency but a deep-seated bond rooted in shared history and mutual respect. It is not for external actors or misguided officials to dictate the terms of this relationship, particularly not through proposals that serve foreign agendas and colonial ambitions.
As the discourse around confederation resurfaces, it is crucial for Jordanians and the international community to stand firm against any initiatives that undermine the Palestinian cause. The idea of Palestine transcends political maneuvering; it is a matter of human rights and dignity. The path forward is clear: support for the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is non-negotiable. Silence or complicity in the face of proposals that threaten this goal is not an option.
In this critical moment, we must reject any form of confederation that does not respect Palestinian sovereignty and rights. The stakes are too high for complacency. Jordanians and Palestinians alike deserve a future defined by justice and self-determination, not by the political machinations of those who seek to exploit their aspirations. Let us remain vigilant, steadfast, and united in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in the region.
Eng. Al Batayneh was a member of the Jordanian Parliament.
