Can Abdullah Resist the Pressure? Jordan's King Faces Trump's Gaza Dilemma

Amman, Jordan – King Abdullah II of Jordan's meeting with former US President Donald Trump this week has reignited concerns about the persistent pressure exerted by the United States on Amman regarding the volatile situation in Gaza. While the details of their private conversations remain undisclosed, the meeting comes at a critical juncture, with tensions in the Palestinian territories simmering and Jordan grappling with its complex relationship with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The Hashemite Kingdom, custodian of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, plays a crucial role in mediating regional conflicts. However, its delicate balancing act is constantly tested by external pressures, particularly from the US, a key strategic ally. While the official statements following the Trump meeting emphasized amicable relations and shared concerns about regional stability, analysts suggest a subtext of continuing American pressure on Jordan to influence events in Gaza.

Trump, known for his pro-Israel stance, has a track record of exerting considerable pressure on regional leaders, including Jordan's King. His administration's policies towards Palestine, particularly regarding Jerusalem and the potential for a two-state solution, were widely criticized by the international community and generated considerable tension with Jordan. Therefore, Abdullah's meeting with Trump raises questions about whether the former president might attempt to reassert his influence on Jordanian policy concerning Gaza.

The current situation in Gaza is fraught with challenges. The ongoing blockade imposed by Israel, coupled with internal political divisions and a dire humanitarian crisis, creates a tinderbox that could easily ignite into further conflict. Any Jordanian involvement, whether through diplomatic channels or humanitarian aid, carries significant risks. Public opinion within Jordan is strongly sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, and any perceived concessions to Israel could trigger widespread discontent.

Jordan's concerns extend beyond Gaza's immediate issues. The kingdom faces its own economic challenges and security concerns, including the ongoing influx of Syrian refugees. Entanglement in Gaza's complexities could divert resources and attention from these pressing domestic needs.

Professor Rana Saba, a political scientist at the University of Jordan, commented, "Jordan walks a tightrope. It needs to maintain its strong relationship with the US, a crucial security partner, but simultaneously must safeguard its national interests and address its public's deep-seated support for the Palestinian cause. Pressure from Trump, even indirectly, could further complicate this delicate balancing act.”

However, King Abdullah has demonstrated a capacity for skillful diplomacy and resistance to external pressures in the past. His government has been vocal in its criticism of Israeli policies that impact Palestinians, particularly concerning the status of Jerusalem and the blockade of Gaza. This suggests a determination to maintain a degree of autonomy in its foreign policy, despite external influence.

The long-term implications of the King's meeting with Trump remain uncertain. While the specifics of their discussions remain undisclosed, the encounter underscores the ongoing tension between Jordan's desire for independent action and the pressure exerted by powerful external actors, particularly regarding the fraught and volatile situation in Gaza. The coming weeks and months will reveal whether King Abdullah can successfully navigate this complex geopolitical landscape and resist the pressure to compromise Jordanian interests in favour of a US-backed agenda.