Israel Refuses to Renew Water Agreement with Jordan, Sparks Diplomatic Concern

Israel has refused to renew its water agreement with Jordan, according to Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan 11. The report states that Israel has not yet signed the renewal of the extended water supply agreement, raising concerns in Jordan over its dependency on Israeli water.

A Jordanian official told Kan 11 that the issue of water is critical and part of the peace agreement between the two nations. The official suggested Jordan may respond to the Israeli delay, as Amman fears Israel is using the water supply as a bargaining chip in its relations with the kingdom.

In March, Jordan’s King Abdullah II had conditioned a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on resolving issues related to water supply and the Palestinians. The situation has grown more complex with tensions between Jordan and Israel increasing since the Israel genocide in Gaza began in 2023.

Ynet, an Israeli news site, reported that Israel is considering a proposal by the UAE to hold a trilateral summit in Abu Dhabi with the energy ministers of the UAE, Israel, and Jordan. The summit would address the water supply agreement and revive the UAE-backed proposal for a joint Israeli-Jordanian desalinated water plant.

Abu Dhabi is attempting to ease tensions between Jordan and Israel, its key ally. An Israeli official stated that Israel continues to supply Jordan with the water required under the peace treaty, but emphasized that there is “no obligation to provide additional quantities.” The official noted that if there is goodwill between the two countries, extra water could be provided.

The Israeli official explained that the delay was due to filling reservoirs for the benefit of farmers after what they described as the driest year in the last 100 years. They also indicated that Jordan needs the water, but added that helping neighbors requires warmer relations, suggesting a possible summit in Abu Dhabi would address “normalisation, water and strengthening bilateral ties.”

Since the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, water supply has been a central issue between the two nations. Water scarcity in Jordan has increased over the years, leading to Amman’s reliance on Israeli water supply. In 1994, Israel agreed to provide Jordan with 50 million cubic meters of water annually as part of the agreement.

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