The United Arab Emirates has proposed a trilateral summit with Israel and Jordan to discuss a new water and energy agreement, aimed at improving relations between Amman and Tel Aviv. Israel is reviewing this initiative, which would convene senior officials from the three nations in Abu Dhabi. A key agenda item is a water agreement that would see Israel supply an additional 50 million cubic meters of water annually to Jordan, building on the existing annual provision of 50 million cubic meters under the 1994 peace treaty. The summit is also expected to address the “Prosperity” initiative, which includes plans for Israel to build a desalination plant and Jordan to develop a solar power plant for mutual benefit. Tensions in Israeli-Jordanian relations have been evident, as both nations have not maintained ambassadors since late 2023, highlighting the need for dialogue and cooperation.
Why It Matters
The proposed summit reflects ongoing water scarcity issues in the region, particularly for Jordan, which has faced water shortages exacerbated by climate change. Under the 1994 peace treaty, Israel is obligated to supply Jordan with 50 million cubic meters of water annually, a commitment that has faced strains due to fluctuating diplomatic relations. The previous agreement to increase this supply by an additional 50 million cubic meters was not renewed after November 2025, leaving Jordan without essential water resources. Strengthening water and energy cooperation is critical for regional stability, especially considering the historical context of water disputes in the Middle East.
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