Israel and Jordan Face Tensions Over Water Agreement Amid Regional Strains

Since the current right-wing Israeli government took office, it has adopted a policy that challenges relations with Jordan, according to Jordanian Middle East analyst Dhamam Mitqal Al-Fawaz. Israel continues to supply Jordan with 50 million cubic meters of water annually as per their peace treaty, but a secondary agreement to transfer an additional 50 million cubic meters at a discounted rate has not been renewed since November 2025. Discussions are ongoing, including a proposed energy summit in Abu Dhabi involving Israel, Jordan, and the UAE, where the water agreement may be addressed, though next steps remain unclear.

Israel has linked the renewal of the additional water supply to statements by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, who has frequently criticized Israel. Despite this, Jordan has suffered missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed forces and participated in intercepting threats, often sounding alarms simultaneously with Israel. Al-Fawaz emphasized that water should not be used as a political pressure tool, noting that water security is vital for millions of Jordanians. He views Israel’s reluctance to renew the agreement as part of a broader Israeli policy undermining trust and the peace treaty itself.

Jordan has maintained its commitments under the agreements and is now accelerating efforts to secure water independence through projects like the National Water Carrier, which aims to desalinate water from Aqaba and distribute it nationwide. Ahmad Al-Samadi, the project’s technical director, stated that construction is set to begin in the last quarter of this year, with water extraction expected by late 2030. The $5.8 billion project, involving international partnerships, will supply about 300 million cubic meters annually, covering roughly 40% of Jordan’s drinking water needs.

Professor Ronen Yitzhak of Tel Aviv University described the current water dispute as a minor crisis amid ongoing tensions. He explained that Jordan refused to renew the additional water supply partly due to Israeli demands to moderate political rhetoric, which Jordan saw as coercive. Public opinion in Jordan remains strongly pro-Palestinian, complicating any linkage between political stances and water agreements. Yitzhak noted that Jordan has been a key ally to Israel and the U.S. against Iran, but the timing of the water dispute amid regional hostility has intensified feelings of betrayal in Jordan.

Despite the public tensions, Yitzhak believes secret negotiations will continue to resolve the issue, as Israel seeks to avoid escalating instability in Jordan. Public discourse on the matter makes it difficult for Jordanian officials to agree to renew the deal without appearing to compromise on Palestinian support. The water issue thus remains intertwined with broader political and regional dynamics.