Former U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II brings unexpected developments in the ongoing Middle East crisis.
According to ABC News, Trump's threats to withdraw aid from Egypt and Jordan unless they accept Palestinians from Gaza have sparked significant pushback from regional allies and experts who warn of potential violations of international law.
The proposal faced immediate rejection from Arab nations, with Saudi Arabia reaffirming its unwavering stance on establishing a Palestinian state. Egypt's President Abdelfatah El Sisi responded by indefinitely postponing his planned White House visit, while Jordan's King Abdullah II maintained his country's firm position against Palestinian displacement.
Trump's proposal has inadvertently strengthened regional solidarity among Arab states. Saudi Arabia took a leading role by quickly rejecting the plan, emphasizing their commitment to Palestinian statehood through an official Foreign Ministry statement.
Egypt demonstrated its opposition by not only postponing high-level diplomatic meetings but also announcing plans to host a gathering of Arab states to discuss alternative solutions. The country's stance reflects broader regional concerns about maintaining stability and protecting Palestinian rights.
Jordan, despite receiving $1.5 billion in annual U.S. aid, stands firm against the proposal. Brian Katulis, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, shared his perspective:
I see no scenario where this happens. This is their home. They've endured so much to stay in their home, even if their home -- literal homes, family homes -- have been destroyed.
The situation has prompted discussions about potential new alliances and alternative aid sources. Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, emerge as potential financial alternatives for Egypt and Jordan if U.S. aid is withdrawn.
Professor Daniel Drezner of Tufts University's Fletcher School suggests China could become a more significant regional player, given their energy interests in the Middle East. However, the transition presents challenges, particularly regarding military equipment compatibility and existing security relationships.
Both Jordan and Egypt face significant economic constraints that complicate any potential mass refugee acceptance. Jordan has already accommodated refugees from Iraq and Syria for two decades, while Egypt grapples with currency depreciation and economic instability.
The proposal has triggered subtle diplomatic maneuvers. Trump appeared to soften his stance after Jordan agreed to accept 2,000 sick Palestinian children for medical treatment, demonstrating the complex nature of regional negotiations.
Military relationships present another layer of complexity. Both Jordan and Egypt rely heavily on U.S. and Western military equipment, making rapid shifts to alternative suppliers impractical. Any attempt to pivot toward different weapons systems would require significant time and resources.
Russia's diminished regional influence, following recent developments in Syria, makes it an unlikely alternative partner. China emerges as a more viable option, though transitioning military relationships would pose substantial challenges.
Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians has created significant diplomatic tension between the United States and its traditional Middle Eastern allies. The situation has prompted Egypt and Jordan to explore alternative diplomatic and economic partnerships while maintaining their opposition to forced Palestinian displacement. Regional dynamics continue to evolve as Arab states coordinate their response to the proposal. The outcome may reshape long-standing alliances and security relationships in the Middle East, with Gulf states and China potentially playing more prominent roles in regional affairs.
