Israel to Expand Water Supplies to Jordan, Citing Northern Construction Limits

Israel is preparing infrastructure to significantly increase its water exports to Jordan, according to a report by Calcalist on Monday, October 5. This project is part of broader agreements between the two nations but will impose substantial construction restrictions across large areas in northern Israel during its planning phase. The plan involves building the "Abraham" pipeline, originating from the National Water Carrier near Kfar Yehoshua and extending to the Jordanian border in the Beit She'an Valley. The pipeline will traverse Afula and Beit She'an before reaching the Jordan River. While planning is ongoing, construction permits and work will be restricted along the pipeline's route. The project is divided into segments to facilitate phased development across its extensive path, which crosses diverse terrains including undeveloped land, agricultural areas, and urban zones. In July 2026, the National Council for Planning and Construction issued limitations under existing law, preventing construction, land use, or work that could impede the new infrastructure within the designated areas. The aim is to preserve a "planning corridor" to ensure future pipeline construction is feasible. The route largely traverses agricultural land, passing south of the railway between Kfar Yehoshua and Afula, and south of Afula itself. It then proceeds north of Highway 71 towards Beit She'an, north of the city, and continues along Highway 71 to the Jordanian border. Construction or work within this corridor requires approval from the National Infrastructure Commission. Israel already supplies significant water volumes to Jordan under their peace treaty, but the new system aims to substantially boost these supplies. Jordan faces a severe water shortage, making Israeli water a crucial element in bilateral relations. This water pipeline project is linked to broader Israeli-Jordanian relations. Two major Israeli water projects, an desalination plant in Emek Hefer and a pumping system to transfer water eastward, will be integrated to support the increased supply to Jordan. In return, Jordan will provide 600 megawatts of energy from solar power plants. The Water Authority stated the pipeline will also enhance water transfer flexibility within Israel, though supplying Jordan remains a priority.

Jordan historically suffers from severe water scarcity, with its own resources considered among the poorest globally. Water supplies from Israel have been a vital component of the relationship between the two countries for many years. Consequently, the discussions surrounding the pipeline project reflect a wider consideration of overall Israeli-Jordanian relations. The new infrastructure is intended to significantly increase water provision to Jordan in the future. The Water Authority clarified that the pipeline project serves not only to supply Jordan but also to increase flexibility in water transfers between different regions within Israel. Nevertheless, supplying Jordan is identified as a primary objective for the new system.