What Happened: Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel said his country would reduce water sharing with Jordan if it does not renew the land pact portion of their 1994 peace treaty, The National reported Oct. 22.
Why It Matters: Control over limited water resources in the Jordan River valley is a politically contentious issue between Jordan and Israel. Both countries rely on water-intensive agriculture as part of their economies.
Background: Following domestic protests, Jordanian King Abdullah II announced that Jordan would not renew provisions of the treaty that allow Israeli farmers to use the land in Baqura and Ghamr without border restrictions.
Read More:
- Jordan Scrambles to Keep Its Economic Reforms on Course (June 6, 2018)
- Israel: Government Sends An Apology To Jordan (Jan. 19, 2018)
- Jerusalem: A Decision of Regional Consequence (Dec. 8, 2017)
