Jordan PM: Trump's Middle East plan could jeopardize Jordan-Israel peace treaty

In 1994, King Hussein of Jordan and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin signed a declaration that both men hoped would lay the foundation for peace between their countries, and the wider region. Twenty-five years on, Jordan's Prime Minister now says the two countries' relationship is at the "lowest level" since the signing.

For generations, the international community has been trying to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and now after three years in the making, the United States says it has found an answer -- President Donald Trump's "Deal of the Century."

It lays the groundwork for Israel to immediately begin annexing large chunks of the West Bank, and also foresees the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state with limited sovereignty.

In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz warned that Jordan's peace treaty with Israel could go into what he called "deep freeze mode," potentially putting it at risk.

"When this peace treaty was signed, the Jordanian hope, and maybe even the Israeli [hope] at the time, was for it to lead to a comprehensive solution at the level of the region and sustainable peace," he says. "Unfortunately, none of this materialized."

Bill Clinton, the US President at the time, witnessed the signing and applauded it as a historic moment. Now, current President Trump could undo that history.

'The Deal of the Century'

On January 28, Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled his long-awaited plan, giving it the name "Peace to Prosperity. Trump claimed it presented a "realistic two-state solution" but it was rejected by Palestinian leaders, as well as by 94% of the Palestinian people, according to a respected poll.

The Israeli Prime Minister praised Washington for the plan, calling Trump "the greatest friend" Israel has ever had in the White House. Trump's plan would shrink the amount of West Bank land left for a future Palestinian state by recognizing Israel's sovereignty over all Israeli settlements in the territory, as well as the Jordan Valley -- the eastern-most part of the West Bank. Apart from a short border with Egypt, the future Palestinian state would be completely encircled by Israel.

"Is the world willing to accept this?" said Razzaz. "Do we realize where we're pushing Israel, Palestine, the region and the world?"

For decades, Jordan has played a key role in maintaining stability in the region, recognized by the United States, Israel and many others. But Razzaz told CNN none of the elements of the White House deal had been discussed with Jordan prior to its announcement, despite it containing specific financial aid projects that Jordan would benefit from.

In response, a White House official told CNN: "We're not going to get into the details of every diplomatic discussion about the Vision for Peace; however, we met with stakeholders and friends in the region many times over the last three years to discuss various ideas and concepts. We are appreciative for the insights and input we received and have incorporated many in the Vision. We sincerely appreciate King Abdullah II of Jordan for his consultations and for his care of Muslim Holy shrines in Jerusalem."

"We will never mix political aspirations with financial deals," Razzaz says. "Pure political aspirations of the Palestinian people cannot be traded in deals."

US-Jordan relations

Jordan finds itself in a tough position. While King Abdullah II tries to maintain strong relations with the United States, he rules over a country where Palestinian grievances count as domestic Jordanian issues. More than half of all Jordan's citizens are Palestinian, with more than 2 million registered as refugees.

The Kingdom's small size and lack of resources have made it dependent on international aid. Annual US aid to Jordan has nearly quadrupled over the last 15 years.

Asked if Jordan is concerned there may be a price to pay for not supporting the White House's Middle East plan, the Prime Minister expressed confidence.

"Jordan's relationship with the US is deep, historic and strategic," he said. "So, we are not worried that that strategic relationship will be affected by this."

Photo: KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP/AFP via Getty Images Jordan's Prime Minister Omar Razzaz gives a press conference in the southern port city of Aqaba on July 23, 2019, discussing projects in the area including an underwater military museum.