King Abdullah Criticizes Israeli Policies at UN General Assembly
King Abdullah II of Jordan sharply criticized Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank during the UN General Assembly, drawing a dismissive response from Jerusalem.
King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a sharp address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, criticizing Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and southern Syria. The Jordanian monarch accused the Israeli government of war crimes and expansionist ambitions, claiming its actions aim to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. He also rebuked the international community for allegedly managing rather than resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the criticism, highlighting Jordan's historical disengagement from the West Bank in 1988. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not issue a detailed political response to the speech, focusing instead on domestic political rivalries. Despite the diplomatic friction, Israel and Jordan continue essential cooperation, particularly in water management, underpinned by the 1994 peace treaty. Jordanian analysts noted that political disputes do not negate functional cooperation, which remains bound by strategic necessity and bilateral agreements.
King Abdullah also addressed US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict, asserting that the Israeli government continues to move the goalposts regarding peace initiatives. He condemned settlement expansion and military operations in the West Bank as forced displacement and war crimes. Furthermore, the monarch warned against Israeli military activities in southern Syria, labeling them a regional threat that could jeopardize Jordanian national security and border stability.
