Jordanian King Slams Israel at UN; Israel Responds Sharply

King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a scathing speech at the UN General Assembly, accusing Israel of war crimes and expansionist ambitions that prevent a Palestinian state. He criticized the international community for managing rather than resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry sarcastically questioned the King's passion for international law, referencing Jordan's 1988 decision to sever administrative and legal ties to the West Bank, which they claim led to Palestinians losing Jordanian citizenship and rights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while addressing the King's remarks in a video, primarily used the opportunity to criticize Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman. Despite the harsh rhetoric, essential cooperation between Israel and Jordan, particularly on water resources, continues, which Jordanian analysts explain as a reality dictated by the 1994 peace treaty.

Jordanian commentators noted that the King's speech aimed to shift the narrative away from the October 7th attacks, emphasizing the occupation, international law, and Palestinian rights. They argue that condemning the October 7th events does not preclude advocating for Palestinian rights or accepting the Gaza war as a permanent reality. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed this sentiment, accusing Israel of illegal actions threatening regional stability and of holding the region's future hostage. He also criticized Israel's alleged propaganda efforts to distort history and undermine international bodies and leaders critical of Israel.

The King further accused the Israeli government of moving the goalposts in Gaza, destroying civilian infrastructure, and pushing Palestinians into smaller areas, calling it an attempt to erase Palestinian life and impose a new territorial reality. He also condemned the expansion of settlements, land seizures, and violence in the West Bank as a forced displacement aimed at making a viable Palestinian state impossible. King Abdullah warned that Israel's actions in southern Syria pose a regional threat and that Jordan would not tolerate threats to its borders or water security.