What's Happening?
Israel is contemplating a trilateral summit in Abu Dhabi with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to discuss regional cooperation on water and energy. The summit aims to address the renewal of a water agreement under which Israel would supply Jordan with an additional
50 million cubic meters of water annually. This agreement, part of the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, has not been renewed since November 2025, leading to strained relations. The UAE is promoting the summit to foster goodwill and potentially revive the 'Prosperity' initiative, which includes building a desalination plant and a solar energy facility. The summit also seeks to improve diplomatic ties between Israel and Jordan, which have deteriorated since the 2023 Gaza conflict.
Why It's Important?
The proposed summit is significant as it addresses critical water scarcity issues in Jordan, one of the world's most water-scarce countries. The lack of a renewed water agreement has exacerbated tensions between Israel and Jordan, impacting regional stability. The summit could enhance cooperation on water and energy, benefiting both nations economically and environmentally. Additionally, it could improve diplomatic relations, which have been strained due to recent conflicts. The involvement of the UAE highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering peace.
What's Next?
If the summit proceeds, it could lead to the renewal of the water agreement and the advancement of the 'Prosperity' initiative. This would involve constructing infrastructure to support water and energy needs in both countries. Improved relations could also result in the reinstatement of ambassadors and stronger diplomatic ties. However, the success of the summit depends on the willingness of both Israel and Jordan to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation.
