Political analysts have expressed concerns over Israel's potential political blackmail following a recent shooting incident at the Allenby border crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank. The incident has sparked discussions on Israel's ongoing strategy regarding the Jordan Valley and its implications for regional stability.
According to Oraib al-Rantawi, director of the Jerusalem Center for Political Studies, Israel's actions may escalate calls for the annexation of the Jordan Valley and impose collective punishment on the West Bank's inhabitants. He emphasized that the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant, is likely to push forward with plans to construct the 'Eastern Philadelphi Corridor' along the Jordanian-Israeli border.
Dr. Muhannad Mustafa, an expert on Israeli affairs, highlighted the current state of political and military impotence in Israel, suggesting that the government is struggling to address multiple fronts of conflict, particularly in the West Bank. He noted that individual operations in the region reflect a broader sense of unrest among the Jordanian populace, fueled by the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza.
The analysts also pointed out the historical ties between Jordanians and Palestinians, which have intensified public demonstrations and support for the Palestinian cause in Jordan. With the ongoing conflict, both experts agree that a ceasefire or prisoner exchange deal remains unlikely, as Israel appears committed to a prolonged military presence in Gaza.
