Does Jordan Want Palestinians in Control of the Border?

Photo Credit: Moshe Shai / Flash 90

Even if Abbas’s forces initially manage to maintain security and order along the border with Jordan, there is no guarantee as to what would happen in the future.

Between 2005 and 2007, Abbas’s security forces were in control of the main border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt — before they were expelled by Hamas.

It is in Israel’s interest to have stability and calm in Jordan. Undermining Jordan’s security would create many problems for Israel. To prevent such a scenario, Israel, if and when it reaches a deal with Abbas’s Palestinian Authority, needs to take King Abdullah’s fears and interests into consideration.