Jordan Can Withstand 'Greater Israel' Project Through Self-Sufficiency, Says Abu-Ghazaleh

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Founder of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital Group, stated that Jordan, under its leadership and people, is resisting the "Zionist project" in the region. He emphasized that confronting political and economic challenges requires strengthening self-reliance and achieving self-sufficiency in food, medicine, technology, and education. Abu-Ghazaleh noted that the current phase, though temporary, is difficult and will impact regional countries, particularly in light of the "Greater Israel" concept and its associated Zionist aspirations for regional control.

He explained that a "religious conviction" among Israelis grants them the right to control Palestine and parts of neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with a different vision for Jordan. This vision, according to Abu-Ghazaleh, involves granting Palestinians Jordanian passports while they remain in Palestine and reside in what is called Israel, instead of being deported to Jordan or Jordan being annexed. He affirmed that both the late King Hussein and King Abdullah II have categorically rejected this proposal, viewing it as a "major crime."

Abu-Ghazaleh praised King Abdullah II's speech at the UN General Assembly, describing it as clear, accurate, and firm in asserting rights. He believes that navigating the current phase requires a combination of political steadfastness and enhanced economic capacity to protect Jordan's national interests. He acknowledged that Jordan faces difficulties partly due to domestic shortcomings and partly due to sanctions imposed for rejecting the "Zionist project."

Abu-Ghazaleh asserted that Jordan can endure for another thousand years if it achieves self-sufficiency in food, medicine, technology, and education. He cited the agricultural sector, stating Jordan can meet its food needs and export, urging a focus beyond direct financial costs. For medicine, he confirmed Jordan's capability to manufacture necessary drugs, noting the 20-year limit on intellectual property rights. He highlighted the opportunities presented by the knowledge revolution for Jordan to build local capacity in technology and education.

He advised against adhering to international organizations' advice if it conflicts with national interests, referencing the World Bank's detrimental advice to Egypt regarding wheat cultivation. Abu-Ghazaleh argued that while seemingly financially sound, this logic is flawed from a national interest perspective, as local production, even if more expensive, creates jobs and reduces foreign currency needs.

Regarding Arab cooperation, Abu-Ghazaleh deemed the formation of the Arab League fundamentally flawed and sees no possibility of unity under current conditions. He suggested focusing on bilateral relations instead of comprehensive unity projects and transforming the Arab League into an economic cooperation tool. He also predicted a shift in Israeli mentality, leading Israelis to conclude they have no place in the region, potentially allowing those who wish to stay to become Palestinian citizens.