Israel Considers Abu Dhabi Energy Summit with Jordan and UAE to Discuss New Water Deal
Israel is exploring a proposal to hold a trilateral energy summit in Abu Dhabi with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The summit aims to address several key issues, including a new water agreement under which Israel would supply Jordan an additional 50 million cubic meters of water annually, on top of the existing 50 million cubic meters provided under the 1994 peace treaty. The countries also plan to discuss a "Prosperity" agreement involving the construction of a desalination plant to supply water to both Jerusalem and Amman, while Jordan would build a solar power field to provide electricity to both nations.
The summit is also expected to focus on improving the strained relations between Israel and Jordan, which have been particularly cold since November 2023. Jordan has not maintained an ambassador in Israel since then, and Israel has had no ambassador in Amman since October 7, 2023. Under the peace treaty, Israel supplies Jordan with 50 million cubic meters of water annually at a minimal cost. In 2021, Israel agreed to increase this supply by 50 million cubic meters for three years at a discounted price. Jordan sought to extend this agreement for five more years and increase the quota to 80 million cubic meters, but Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has only extended the deal in six-month increments amid internal debate.
The extension delays have been influenced by American pressure and Jordan's assistance in intercepting Iranian drones, but tensions rose due to hostile rhetoric from Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Since November 2023, Israel has not renewed the additional water supply, causing significant frustration in Amman. A senior Israeli official stated that Israel is fulfilling its treaty obligations but has no commitment to provide extra water unless there is goodwill between the countries. The official also noted that 2025 was the hottest year in a century, prompting Israel to prioritize its own agricultural water needs.
Jordan faces severe water scarcity, ranking as the second most water-deprived country globally, worsened by drought, climate change, and a large influx of Syrian refugees. The current water deficit is estimated at around 500 million cubic meters annually. Jordanian sources express frustration that water, once a cornerstone of the peace treaty, has become a bargaining chip for Israel. The delay in renewing the water agreement risks further damaging bilateral relations amid Jordan's ongoing water crisis.
The UAE is reportedly driving the initiative to convene the summit, hoping to provide a "umbrella of goodwill" to ease tensions. Israeli officials suggest that if hostilities cool, the water agreement could be revived, with the summit potentially addressing broader normalization issues alongside water and energy cooperation.
