Treaty of Peace Between The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan And The State of Israel October 26, 1994

The Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty was signed on October 26, 1994, at the southern border crossing of Wadi ‘Araba. The treaty guaranteed Jordan the restoration of its occupied land (approximately 380 square kilometers), as well as an equitable share of water from the Yarmouk and Jordan rivers. Moreover, the treaty defined Jordan’s western borders clearly and conclusively for the first time, permitting that “Jordan is Palestine.” Seeking to lay a firm foundation for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, the treaty also outlined a number of areas in which negotiations would continue. To this end, Jordanian and Israeli negotiators have signed a series of protocols establishing a mutually beneficial framework of relations in fields such as trade, transportation, tourism, communications, energy, culture, science, navigation, the environment, health and agriculture, as well as cooperatory agreements for the Jordan Valley and the Aqaba-Eilat region. Treaty of Peace Between The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan And The State of Israel October 26, 1994 Preamble Preamble The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of the State of Israel: Bearing in mind the Washington Declaration, signed by them on 25th July, 1994, and which they are both committed to honor; Aiming at the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 in all their aspects; Bearing in mind the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace based on freedom, equality, justice and respect for fundamental human rights, thereby overcoming psychological barriers and promoting human dignity; Reaffirming their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and recognizing their right and obligation to live in peace with each other as well as with all states, within secure and recognized boundaries; Desiring to develop friendly relations and co-operation between them in accordance with the principles of international law governing international relations in time of peace; Desiring as well to ensure lasting security for both their States and in particular to avoid threats and the use of force between them; Bearing in mind that in their Washington Declaration of 25th July, 1994, they declared the termination of the state of belligerency between them; Deciding to establish peace between them in accordance with this Treaty of Peace; Have agreed as follows: Articles 1-5 Article 1 - Establishment of Peace Peace is hereby established between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Israel (the "Parties") effective from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 2 - General Principles The Parties will apply between them the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law governing relations among states in time of peace. In particular: 1. They recognize and will respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence; 2. They recognize and will respect each other's right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries; 3. They will develop good neighborly relations of co-operation between them to ensure lasting security, will refrain from the threat or use of force against each other and will settle all disputes between them by peaceful means; 4. They respect and recognize the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every state in the region; 5. They respect and recognize the pivotal role of human development and dignity in regional and bilateral relationships; 6. They further believe that within their control, involuntary movements of persons in such a way as to adversely prejudice the security of either Party should not be permitted.   Article 3 - International Boundary 1. The international boundary between Jordan and Israel is delimited with reference to the boundary definition under the Mandate as is shown in Annex I (a), on the mapping materials attached thereto and coordinates specified therein. 2. The boundary, as set out in Annex I (a), is the permanent, secure and recognized international boundary between Jordan and Israel, without prejudice to the status of any territories that came under Israeli military government control in 1967. 3. The Parties recognize the international boundary, as well as each other's territory, territorial waters and airspace, as inviolable, and will respect and comply with them. 4. The demarcation of the boundary will take place as set forth in Appendix (I) to Annex I and will be concluded not later than 9 months after the signing of the Treaty. 5. It is agreed that where the boundary follows a river, in the event of natural changes in the course of the flow of the river as described in Annex I (a), the boundary shall follow the new course of the flow. In the event of any other changes the boundary shall not be affected unless otherwise agreed. 6. Immediately upon the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, each Party will deploy on its side of the international boundary as defined in Annex I (a). 7. The parties shall, upon the signature of the Treaty, enter into negotiations to conclude, within 9 months, an agreement on the delimitation of their maritime boundary in the Gulf of Aqaba. 8. Taking into account the special circumstances of the Baqura/Naharayim area, which is under Jordanian sovereignty, with Israeli private ownership rights, the Parties agree to apply the provisions set out in Annex I (b). 9. With respect to the Al-Ghamr/Zofar area, the provisions set out in Annex I (c) will apply.   Article 4 - Security 1. Both Parties, acknowledging that mutual understanding and cooperation in security-related matters will form a significant part of their relations and will further enhance the security of the region, take upon themselves to base their security relations on mutual trust, advancement of joint interests and co-operation, and to aim towards a regional framework of partnership in peace. Towards that goal, the Parties recognize the achievements of the European Community and European Union in the development of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) and commit themselves to the creation, in the Middle East, of a conference on Security and Co-operation in the Middle East (CSCME). This commitment entails the adoption of regional models of security successfully implemented in the post World War area (along the lines of the Helsinki Process) culminating in a regional zone of security and stability. 2. The obligations referred to in this Article are without prejudice to the inherent right of self-defense in accordance with the United Nations Charter. 3. The Parties undertake, in accordance with the provisions of this Article, the following: To refrain from the threat of use of force or weapons, conventional, non-conventional or of any other kind, against each other, or of other actions or activities that adversely affect the security of the other Party; To refrain from organizing, instigating, inciting, assisting or participating in acts or threats of belligerency, hostility, subversion or violence against the other Party; To take necessary and effective measures to ensure that acts or threats of belligerency, hostility, subversion or violence against the other Party do not originate from, and are not committed within, through or over their territory (hereinafter the term "territory" includes the airspace and territorial waters). 4. Consistent with the area of peace and with the efforts to build regional security and to avoid and prevent aggression and violence, the Parties further agree to refrain from the following: Joining or in any way assisting, promoting or co-operating with any coalition, organization or alliance with a military or security character with a third party, the objectives or activities of which include launching aggression or other acts of military hostility against the other Party, in contravention of the provisions of the present Treaty; Allowing the entry, stationing and operating on their territory, or through it, of military forces, personnel or material of a third party, in circumstances which may adversely prejudice the security of the other Party. 5. Both Parties will take necessary and effective measures, and will co-operate in combating terrorism of all kinds. The Parties undertake: To take necessary and effective measures to prevent acts of terrorism, subversion or violence from being carried out from their territory or through it and to take necessary and effective measures to combat such activities and all their perpetrators; Without prejudice to the basic rights of freedom of expression and association, to take necessary and effective measures to prevent the entry, presence and operation in their territory of any group or organization, and their infrastructure which threatens the security of the other Party by the use of, or incitement to the use of, violent means; To co-operate in preventing and combating cross-boundary infiltrations. 6. Any question as to the implementation of this Article will be dealt with through a mechanism of consultations which will include a liaison system, verification, supervision, and where necessary, other mechanisms, and higher level consultations. The details of the mechanism of consultations will be contained in an agreement to be concluded by the Parties within 3 months of the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty. 7. The Parties undertake to work as a matter of priority, and as soon as possible, in the context of the Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control and Regional Security, and jointly, towards the following: The creation in the Middle East of a region free from hostile alliances and coalitions; The creation of a Middle East free from weapons of mass destruction, both conventional and non-conventional, in the context of a comprehensive, lasting and stable peace, characterized by the renunciation of the use of force, and by reconciliation and good will.   Article 5- Diplomatic and Other Bilateral Relations 1. The Parties agree to establish full diplomatic and consular relations and to exchange resident ambassadors within one month of the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty. 2. The Parties agree that the normal relationship between them will further include economic and cultural relations. Articles 6-15 Article 6 - Water With the view to achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement of all the water problems between them: 1. The Parties agree mutually to recognize the rightful allocations of both of them in Jordan River and Yarmouk River waters and Araba/Arava ground water in accordance with the agreed acceptable principles, quantities and quality as set out in Annex II, which shall be fully respected and complied with. 2. The parties, recognizing the necessity to find a practical, just and agreed solution to their water problems and with the view that the subject of water can form the basis for the advancement of co-operation between them, jointly undertake to ensure that ensure that the management and development of their water resources do not, in any way, harm the water resources of the other party. 3. The parties recognize that their water resources are not sufficient to meet their needs. More water should be supplied for their use through various methods, including projects of regional and international co-operation. 4. In light of paragraph 3 of this Article, with the understanding that co-operation in water-related subjects would be to the benefit of both Parties, and will help alleviate their water shortages, and that water issues along their entire boundary must to be dealt with in their totality, including the possibility of trans-boundary water transfers, the Parties agree to search for ways to alleviate water shortages and to co-operate in the following fields: Development of existing and new water resources, increasing the water availability, including cooperation on a regional basis, as appropriate, and minimizing wastage of water resources through the chain of their uses; Prevention of contamination of water resources; Mutual assistance in the alleviation of water shortages; Transfer of information and joint research and development in water- related subjects, and review of the potentials for enhancement of water resources development and use. 5. The implementation of both parties’ undertakings under this article is detailed in Annex II.   Article 7 - Economic Relations 1. Viewing economic development and prosperity as pillars of peace, security and harmonious relations between states, peoples and individual human beings, the parties, taking mote of understandings reached between them, affirm their mutual desire to promote economic co-operation between them, as well as within the framework of wider regional economic co-operation. 2. In order to accomplish this goal, the parties agree to the following: To remove all discriminatory barriers to normal economic relations, to terminate economic boycotts directed at the other Party, and to co- operate in terminating boycotts against either Party by third parties; Recognizing that the principle of free and unimpeded flow of goods and services should guide their relations, the parties will enter into negotiations with a view to concluding agreements on economic co-operation, including trade and the establishment of a free trade area or areas, investment, banking, industrial co-operation and labor, for the purpose of promoting beneficial economic relations, based on principles to be agreed upon, as well as on human development considerations on a regional basis. These negotiations will be concluded no later than 6 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty; To co-operate bilaterally, as well as in multilateral forums, toward the promotion of their respective economies and of their neighborly economic relations with other regional parties.   Article 8 - Refugees and Displaced Persons Recognizing the massive human problems caused to both Parties by the conflict in the Middle East, as well as the contribution made by them towards the alleviation of human suffering, the parties will seek to further alleviate those problems arising on a bilateral level. 1. Recognizing that the above human problems caused by the conflict in the Middle East cannot be fully resolved on the bilateral level, the Parties will seek to resolve them in appropriate forums, in accordance with international law, including the following: In the case of displaced persons, in a quadripartite committee together with Egypt and the Palestinians; In the case of refugees, (i) In the framework of the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees; (ii) In negotiations, in a framework to be agreed, bilateral or otherwise, in conjunction with and at the same time as the permanent status negotiations pertaining to the Territories referred to in Article 3 of this Treaty; Through the implementation of agreed United Nations programs and other agreed international economic programs concerning refugees and displaced persons, including assistance to their settlement.   Article 9 - Places of Historical and Religious Significance and Interfaith Relations 1. Each Party will provide freedom of access to places of religious and historical significance. 2. In this regard, in accordance with the Washington Declaration, Israel respects the present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Muslim Holy shrines in Jerusalem. When negotiations on the permanent status will take place, Israel will give high priority to the Jordanian historic role in these shrines. 3. The Parties will act together to promote interfaith relations among the three monotheistic religions, with the aim of working towards religious understanding, moral commitment, freedom of religious worship, and tolerance and peace.   Article 10 - Cultural and Scientific Exchanges The parties, wishing to remove biases developed through periods of conflict, recognize the desirability of cultural and scientific exchanges in all fields, and agree to establish normal cultural relations between them. Thus, they shall, as soon as possible and not later than 9 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, conclude the negotiations on cultural and scientific agreements.   Article 11 - Mutual Understanding and Good Neighborly Relations 1. The Parties will seek to foster mutual understanding and tolerance based on shared historic values, and accordingly undertake: To abstain from hostile or discriminatory propaganda against each other, and to take all possible legal and administrative measures to prevent the dissemination of such propaganda by any organization or individual present in the territory of either Party; As soon as possible, and not later than 3 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, to repeal all adverse or discriminatory references and expressions of hostility in their respective legislation; To refrain in all government publications from any such references or expressions; To ensure mutual enjoyment by each other's citizens of due process of law within their respective legal systems and before their courts. 2. Paragraph 1 (a) of this Article is without prejudice to the right to freedom of expression as contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 3. A joint committee shall be formed to examine incidents where one Party claims there has been a violation of these Articles.   Article 12 - Combating Crime and Drugs The Parties will co-operate in combating crime, with an emphasis on smuggling, and will take all necessary measures to combat and prevent such activities as the production of, as well as the trafficking in illicit drugs, and will bring to trial perpetrators of such acts. In this regard, they take note of the understandings reached between them in the above spheres, in accordance with Annex III, and undertake to conclude all relevant agreements not later than 9 months from the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 13 - Transportation and Roads Taking note of the progress already made in the area of transportation, the Parties recognize the mutuality of interest in good neighborly relations in the area of transportation and agree to the following means to promote relations between them in this sphere: 1. Each party will permit the free movement of nationals and vehicles of the other into and within its territory according to the general rules applicable to nationals and vehicles of other states. Neither Party will impose discriminatory taxes or restrictions on the free movement of persons and vehicles from its territory to the territory of the other. 2. The Parties will open and maintain roads and border crossings between their countries and will consider further roads and rail links between them. 3. The Parties will continue their negotiations concerning mutual transportation agreements in the above and other areas, such as joint projects, traffic safety, transport standards and norms, licensing of vehicles, land passages, shipment of goods and cargo, and meteorology, to be concluded not later than 6 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty. 4. The Parties agree to continue their negotiations for a highway to be constructed and maintained between Egypt, Jordan and Israel near Eilat.   Article 14 - Freedom of Navigation and Access to Ports 1. Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 3, each party recognizes the right of the vessels of the other Party to innocent passage through its territorial waters in accordance with the rules of international law. 2. Each party will grant normal access to its ports for vessels and cargoes of the other, as well as vessels and cargoes destined for or coming from the other party. Such access will be granted on the same conditions as generally applicable to vessels and cargoes of other nations. 3. International waterways will be open to all nations for unimpeded and non- suspendable freedom of navigation and overflight. The parties will respect each other's right to navigation and overflight for access to either Party through the Straits of Tiran and the Gulf of Aqaba.   Article 15 - Civil Aviation 1. The parties recognize as applicable to each other the rights, privileges and obligations provided for by the multilateral aviation agreements to which they are both party, particularly by the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) and the1944 International Air Services Transit Agreement. 2. Any declaration of national emergency by a Party under Article 89 of the Chicago Convention will not be applied to the other Party on a discriminatory basis. 3. The parties take note of the negotiations on the international air corridor to be opened between them in accordance with the Washington Declaration. In addition, the Parties shall, upon the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, enter into negotiations for the purpose of concluding a Civil Aviation Agreement. All the above negotiations are to be concluded not later than 6 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty. Articles 16-30 rticle 16 - Post and Telecommunications The Parties take note of the opening between them, in accordance with the Washington Declaration, of direct telephone and facsimile lines. Postal links, the negotiations on which having been concluded, will be activated upon the signature of this Treaty. The Parties further agree that normal wireless and cable communications and television relay services by cable, radio and satellite, will be established between them, in accordance with all relevant international conventions and regulations. The negotiations on these subjects will be concluded not later than 9 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 17 - Tourism The Parties affirm their mutual desire to promote co-operation between them in the field of tourism. In order to accomplish this goal, the Parties—taking note of the understandings reached between them concerning tourism—agree to negotiate, as soon as possible, and to conclude not later than 3 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, an agreement to facilitate and encourage mutual tourism and tourism from third countries.   Article 18 - Environment The Parties will co-operate in matters relating to the environment, a sphere to which they attach great importance, including conservation of nature and prevention of pollution, as set forth in Annex IV. They will negotiate an agreement on the above, to be concluded not later than 6 months from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 19 - Energy 1. The Parties will co-operate in the development of energy resources, including the development of energy related projects such as the utilization of solar energy. 2. The Parties, having concluded their negotiations on the interconnecting of their electric grids in the Eilat-Aqaba area, will implement the interconnecting upon the signature of this Treaty. The Parties view this step as a part of a wider binational and regional concept. They agree to continue their negotiations as soon as possible to widen the scope of their interconnected grids. 3. The Parties will conclude the relevant agreements in the field of energy within 6 months from the date of exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 20 - Rift Valley Development The Parties attach great importance to the integrated development of the Jordan Rift Valley area, including joint projects in the economic, environmental, energy-related and tourism fields. Taking note of the Terms of Reference developed in the framework of the Trilateral Jordan-Israel-US Economic Committee towards the Jordan Rift Valley Development Master Plan, they will vigorously continue their efforts towards the completion of planning and towards implementation.   Article 21 - Health The Parties will co-operate in the area of health and shall negotiate with a view to the conclusion of an agreement within 9 months of the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 22 - Agriculture The Parties will co-operate in the areas of agriculture, including veterinary services, plant protection, biotechnology and marketing, and shall negotiate with a view to the conclusion of an agreement within 6 months from the date of the exchange of instruments of ratification of this Treaty.   Article 23 - Aqaba and Eilat The Parties agree to enter into negotiations, as soon as possible, and not later than one month from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, on arrangements that would enable the joint development of the towns of Aqaba and Eilat with regard to such matters, inter alia, as joint tourism development, joint customs posts, free trade zone, co-operation in aviation, prevention of pollution, maritime matters, police, customs and health co-operation. The Parties will conclude all relevant agreements within 9 months from the exchange of instruments of ratification of the Treaty.   Article 24 - Claims The parties agree to establish a claims commission for the mutual settlement of all financial claims.   Article 25 - Rights and Obligations 1. This Treaty does not affect and shall not be interpreted as affecting, in any way, the rights and obligations of the Parties under the Charter of the United Nations. 2. The Parties undertake to fulfill in good faith their obligations under this Treaty, without regard to action or inaction of any other party and independently of any instrument inconsistent with this Treaty. For the purposes of this paragraph, each party represents to the other that in its opinion and interpretation there is no inconsistency between their existing treaty obligations and this Treaty. 3. They further undertake to take all the necessary measures for the application in their relations of the provisions of the multilateral conventions to which they are parties, including the submission of appropriate notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other depositories of such conventions. 4. Both Parties will also take all the necessary steps to abolish all pejorative references to the other Party, in multilateral conventions to which they are parties, to the extent that such references exist. 5. The Parties undertake not to enter into any obligation in conflict with this Treaty. 6. Subject to Article 103 of the United Nations Charter, in the event of a conflict between the obligations of the Parties under the present Treaty and any of their other obligations, the obligations under this Treaty will be binding and implemented.   Article 26 - Legislation Within 3 months of the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, the Parties undertake to enact any legislation necessary in order to implement the Treaty, and to terminate any international commitments and to repeal any legislation that is inconsistent with the Treaty.   Article 27 - Ratification and Annexes 1. This Treaty shall be ratified by both Parties in conformity with their respective national procedures. It shall enter into force on the exchange of the instruments of ratification. 2. The Annexes, Appendices, and other attachments to this Treaty shall be considered integral parts thereof.   Article 28 - Interim Measures The Parties will apply, in certain spheres to be agreed upon, interim measures pending the conclusion of the relevant agreements in accordance with this Treaty, as stipulated in Annex V.   Article 29 - Settlement of Disputes Disputes arising out of the application or interpretation of this Treaty shall be resolved by negotiations. Any such disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations shall be resolved by conciliation or submitted to arbitration.   Article 30 - Registration This Treaty shall be transmitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for registration in accordance with the previsions of Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.   Done at the Araba/Arava Crossing point this day Jumada Al-Ula 21st, 1415, Heshvan 21st, 5755, to which corresponds to 26th October, 1994, in the Arabic, Hebrew and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail. Abdul Salam Majali Prime Minister The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Yitzhak RabinPrime Minister The State of Israel Witnessed by: William J. ClintonPresident of the United States of America Annex I: (a) International Boundary Annex I (a) Jordan-Israel International Boundary Delimitation And Demarcation   1. It is agreed that, in accordance with Article 3 of the Treaty, the international boundary between the two States consists of the following sectors: The Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers The Dead Sea The Wadi Araba/Emek Ha'arava The Gulf of Aqaba 2. The boundary is delimited as follows: Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers A. The boundary Line shall follow the middle of the main course of the flow of the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers. B. The boundary line shall follow natural changes (accretion or erosion) in the course of the rivers unless otherwise agreed. Artificial changes in or of the course of the rivers shall not affect the location of the boundary unless otherwise agreed. No artificial changes may be made except by agreement between both Parties. C. In the event of a future sudden natural change in or of the course of the rivers (avulsion or cutting of new bed) the Joint Boundary Commission (Article 3 below) shall meet as soon as possible, to decide on necessary measures, which may include physical restoration of the prior location of the river course. D. The boundary line in the two rivers is shown on the 1/10,000 orthophoto maps dated 1994 (Appendix III attached to this Annex). E. Adjustment to the boundary line in any of the rivers due to natural changes (accretion or erosion) shall be carried out whenever it is deemed necessary by the Boundary Commission or once every five years. F. The lines defining the special Baqura/Naharayim area are shown on the 1:10,000 orthophoto map (Appendix IV attached to this Annex). G. The orthophoto maps and image maps showing the line separating Jordan from the territory that came under Israeli Military government control in 1967 shall have that line indicated in a different presentation and the legend shall carry on it the following disclaimer: "This line is the administrative boundary between Jordan and the territory which came under Israeli military government control in 1967. Any treatment of this line shall be without prejudice to the status of that territory.” Dead Sea and Salt PansThe boundary line is shown on the 1:50,000 image maps (2 sheets Appendix II attached to the Annex). The list of geographic and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates of this boundary line shall be based on Israel Jordan Boundary Datum (IJBD 1994) and, when completed and agreed upon by both parties, this list of coordinates shall be binding and take precedence over the maps as to the location of the boundary line in the Dead Sea and the salt pans. Wadi Araba/Emek Ha’arava A. The boundary line is shown on the 1:20,000 orthophoto maps sheets, Appendix I attached to this Annex). B. The land boundary shall be demarcated, under a joint boundary demarcation procedure, by boundary pillars which will be jointly located, erected, measured and documented on the basis of the boundary shown in the 1/20,000 orthophoto maps referred to in Article 2-C-(1) above. Between each two adjacent boundary pillars the boundary line shall follow a straight line. C. The boundary pillars shall be defined in a list of geographic and UTM coordinates based on a joint boundary datum (IJBD 94) to be agreed upon by the Joint Team of Experts appointed by the two parties (hereinafter the JTE) using joint Global Positioning System (GPS) Measurements. The list of coordinates shall be prepared, signed and approved by both Parties as soon as possible and no later than 9 months after this Treaty enters into force and shall become part of this Annex. This list of geographic and UTM coordinates when completed and agreed upon by both Parties shall be binding and shall take precedence over the maps as to the location of the boundary line of this sector. D. The boundary pillars shall be maintained by both Parties in accordance with a procedure to be agreed upon. The coordinates in Article 2-C-(3) above shall be used to reconstruct boundary pillars in case they are damaged, destroyed or displaced. E. The line defining the Al-Ghamr/Zofar area is shown on the Wadi Araba/Emek Ha'arava orthophoto map (Appendix V attached to this Annex). The Gulf of AqabaThe Parties shall act in accordance with Article 3.7 of the Treaty. 3. Joint Boundary Commission For the purpose of the implementation of this Annex, the Parties will establish a Joint Boundary Commission comprised of three members from each country. The Commission will, with the approval of the respective governments, specify its work procedures, the frequency of its meetings, and the details of its scope of work. The Commission may invite experts and/or advisors as may be required. The Commission may form, as it deems necessary, specialized teams or committees and assign to them technical tasks. (b) Baqura/Naharayim Area Annex I (b) The Baqura/Naharayim Area 1. The two parties agree that a special regime will apply to the Baqura/Naharayim area ("the area") on a temporary basis, as set out in this Annex. For the purpose of this Annex the area is detailed in Appendix IV. 2. Recognizing that in the area which is under Jordan's sovereignty with Israeli private land ownership rights and property interests ("Land Owners") in the land comprising the area ("the land"), Jordan undertakes: to grant without charge unimpeded freedom of entry to, exit from land; usage and movement within the area to the land-owners and to their invitees or employees and to allow the land owners freely to dispose of their land in accordance with applicable Jordanian law; Not to apply its customs or immigration legislation to land-owners, their invitees or employees crossing from Israel directly to the area for the purpose of gaining access to the land for agricultural, touristic or any agreed purpose; Not to impose discriminatory taxes or charges with regard to the land or activities within the area; To take all necessary measures to protect and prevent harassment of or harm to any person entering the area under this Annex; To permit with the minimum of formality, uniformed officers of the Israeli police force, access to the area for the purpose of investigating crime or dealing with other incidents solely involving the landowners, their invitees or employees. 3. Recognizing Jordanian sovereignty over the area, Israel undertakes: Not to carry out or allow to be carried out in the area activities prejudicial to the peace or security of Jordan; Not to allow any person entering the area under this Annex (other than the uniformed officers referred to in paragraph 2 (e) of this Annex to carry weapons of any kind in the area; unless authorized by the licensing authorities in Jordan after being processed by the liaison committee referred to in Article 8 of this Annex. Not to allow the dumping of wastes from outside the area into the area. 4. Subject to this Annex, Jordanian law will apply to this area: Israeli law applying to the extra territorial activities of Israelis may be applied to Israelis and their activities in the area, and Israel May take measures in the area to enforce such laws. Having regard to this Annex, Jordan will not apply its criminal law to activities in the area which involve only Israeli nationals. 5. In the event of any joint projects to be agreed and developed by the parties in the area, the terms of this Annex may be altered for the purpose of the joint project by agreement between the parties at any time. One of the options to be discussed in the context of the joint projects would be the establishment of a Free - Trade Zone. 6. Without prejudice to private rights of ownership of land within the area, this Annex will remain in force for 25 years, and shall be renewed automatically for the same periods, unless one year prior notice of termination is given by either party, in which case, at the request of either party, consultations shall be entered into. 7. In addition to the requirement referred to in Article 4 (a) of this Annex, the acquisition of the land in the area by persons who are not Israeli citizens shall take place only with the prior approval of Jordan. 8. A Jordanian-Israeli Liaison Committee is hereby established in order to deal with all matters arising under this Annex. (c) Al-Ghamr/Zofar Area Annex I (c)The Al-Ghamr/Zofar Area 1. The two Parties agree that a special regime will apply to the Al-Ghamr/Zofar area ("the area") on a temporary basis, as set out in this Annex. For the purpose of this Annex the area is detailed in Appendix V. 2. Recognizing that in the area which is under Jordan's sovereignty with Israeli private land use rights ("land users") in the land comprising the area ("the land"), Jordan undertakes: To grant without charge unimpeded freedom of entry to, exit from land usage and movement within the area to the land-users and to their invitees or employees and to allow the land-users freely to dispose of their rights in the usage of the land in accordance with applicable Jordanian law; Not to apply its customs or immigration legislation to land-users, their invitees or employees crossing from Israel directly to the area for the purpose of gaining access to the land for agricultural or any agreed purpose; Not to impose discriminatory taxes or charges with regard to the land or activities within the area; To take all necessary measures to protect and prevent harassment of or harm to any person entering the area under this Annex; To permit with the minimum of formality, uniformed officers of the Israeli police force, access to the area for the purpose of investigating crime or dealing with other incidents solely involving the land-users, their invitees or employees. 3. Recognizing Jordanian sovereignty over the area, Israel undertakes: Not to carry out or allow to be carried out in the area activities prejudicial to the peace or security of Jordan; Not to allow any person entering the area under this Annex (other than the uniformed officers referred to in paragraph 2(e) of this Annex) to carry weapons of any kind in the area; unless authorized By the licensing authorities in Jordan after being processed by the liaison committee refereed to in Article 8 of this Annex. Not to allow the dumping of wastes from outside the area into the area. 4. Subject to this Annex, Jordanian law will apply to this area. Israeli law applying to the extra territorial activities of Israelis may be applied to Israelis and their activities in the area, and Israel may take measures in the area to enforce such laws. Having regard to this Annex, Jordan will not apply its criminal laws to activities in the area which involve only Israeli nationals. 5. In the event of any joint projects to be agreed and developed by the parties in the area the terms of this Annex may be altered for the purpose of the joint project by agreement between the Parties at any time. 6. Without prejudice to private rights of use of land within the area, this Annex will remain in force for 25 years, and shall be renewed automatically for the same periods, unless one year prior notice of termination is given by either Party, in which case, at the request of either Party, consultations shall be entered into. 7. In addition to the requirement referred to in Article 4(a) of this Annex, the acquisition of the land in the area by persons who are not Israeli citizens shall take place only with the prior approval of Jordan. 8. A Jordanian-Israeli Liaison Committee is hereby established in order to deal with all matters arising under this Annex. Annex II: Water Annex II Water Related Matters Pursuant to Article 6 of the Treaty, Jordan and Israel agreed on the following Articles on water related matters: Article I: Allocation Water from the Yarmouk River A. Summer period - 15th May to 15th October of each year. Israel pumps (12) MCM and Jordan gets the rest of the flow. B. Winter period - 16th October to 14th May of each year. Israel pumps (13) MCM and Jordan is entitled to the rest of the flow subject to provisions outlined herein below: Jordan concedes to Israel pumping an additional (20) MCM from the Yarmouk in winter in return for Israel conceding to transferring to Jordan during the summer period the quantity specified in paragraph (2.a) below from the Jordan River. C. In order that waste of water will be minimized, Jordan and Israel may use, downstream of Adassiya Diversion/point 121, excess flood water that is not usable and will evidently go to waste unused. Water from the Jordan River A. Summer period - 15th May to 15th October of each year. In return for the additional water that Jordan concedes to Israel in winter in accordance with paragraph (1.b) above, Israel concedes to transfer to Jordan in the summer period (20) MCM from the Jordan River directly upstream form Deganya gates on the river. Jordan shall pay the operation and maintenance cost of such transfer through existing systems (not including capital cost) and shall bear the total cost of any new transmission system. A separate protocol shall regulate this transfer. B. Winter period - 16th October to 14th May of each year. Jordan is entitled to store for its use a minimum average of (20) MCM of the floods in the Jordan River south of its confluence with the Yarmouk (as outlined in Article II below). Excess floods that are not usable and that will otherwise be wasted can be utilized for the benefit of the two Parties including pumped storage off the course of the river. C. In addition to the above, Israel is entitled to maintain its current uses of the Jordan River waters between its confluence with the Yarmouk and its confluence with Wadi Yabis/Tirat Zvi. Jordan is entitled to an annual quantity equivalent to that of Israel, provided however, that Jordan's use will not harm the quantity or quality of the above Israeli uses. The Joint Water Committee (outlined in Article VI below) will survey existing uses for documentation and prevention of appreciable harm. D. Jordan is entitled to an annual quantity of (10) MCM of desalinated water from the desalination of about (20) MCM of saline springs now diverted to the Jordan River. Israel will explore the possibility of financing the operation and maintenance cost of the supply to Jordan of this desalinated water (not including capital cost). Until the desalination facilities are operational, and upon the entry into force of the Treaty, Israel will supply Jordan (10) MCM of Jordan River water from the same location as in (2.a) above, outside the summer period and during dates Jordan selects, subject to the maximum capacity of transmission. Additional Water Jordan and Israel shall cooperate in finding sources for the supply to Jordan of an additional quantity of (50) MCM/year of water of drinkable standards. To this end, the Joint Water Committee will develop, within one year from the entry into force of the Treaty, a plan for the supply to Jordan of the above mentioned additional water. This plan will be forwarded to the respective governments for discussion and decision. Operation and Maintenance A. Operation and maintenance of the systems on Israeli territory that supply Jordan with water, and their electricity supply, shall be Israel's responsibility. The operation and maintenance of the new systems that serve only Jordan will be contracted at Jordan's expense to authorities or companies selected by Jordan. B. Israel will guarantee easy unhindered access of personnel and equipment to such new systems for operation and maintenance. This subject will be further detailed in the agreements to be signed between Israel and the authorities or companies selected by Jordan.   Article II: Storage 1. Jordan and Israel shall cooperate to build a diversion/storage dam on the Yarmouk River directly downstream of the Adassiya Diversion/point 121. 2. The purpose is to improve the diversion efficiency into the King Abdullah Canal of the water allocation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and possibly for the diversion of Israel's allocation of the river water. Other purposes can be mutually agreed. 3. Jordan and Israel shall cooperate to build a system of water storage on the Jordan River, along their common boundary, between its confluence with the Yarmouk River and its confluence with Wadi Yabis/Tirat Zvi, in order to implement the provision of paragraph (2.b) of Article I above. The storage system can also be made to 4. Accommodate more floods; Israel may use up to (3) MCM/year of added storage capacity. 5. Other storage reservoirs can be discussed and agreed upon mutually.   Article III: Water Quality and Protection 1. Jordan and Israel each undertake to protect, within their own jurisdiction, the shared waters of the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers, and Araba/Arava groundwater, against any pollution, contamination, harm or unauthorized withdrawals of each other's allocations. 2. For this purpose, Jordan and Israel will jointly monitor the quality of water along their boundary, by use of jointly established monitoring stations to be operated under the guidance of the Joint Water Committee. 3. Jordan and Israel will each prohibit the disposal of municipal and industrial wastewater into the courses of the Yarmouk and the Jordan Rivers before they are treated to standards allowing their unrestricted agricultural use. 4. Implementation of this prohibition shall be completed within three years from the entry into force of the Treaty. 5. The quality of water supplied from one country to the other at any given location shall be equivalent to the quality of the water used from the same location by the supplying country. 6. Saline springs currently diverted to the Jordan River are earmarked for desalination within four years. Both countries shall cooperate to ensure that the resulting brine will not be disposed of in the Jordan River or in any of its tributaries. Jordan and Israel will protect water systems each in its own territory, supplying water to the other, against any pollution, contamination, harm or unauthorized withdrawal of each other's allocations.   Article IV: Groundwater in Wadi Araba/Emek Ha'arava 1. In accordance with the provisions of this Treaty, some wells drilled and used by Israel along with their associated systems fall on the Jordanian side of the borders. These wells and systems are under Jordan's sovereignty. Israel shall retain the use of these wells and systems in the quantity and quality detailed in an Appendix to this Annex, that shall be jointly prepared by 31st December, 1994. Neither country shall take, nor cause to be taken, any measure that may appreciably reduce the yields or quality of these wells and systems. 2. Throughout the period of Israel's use of these wells and systems, replacement of any well that may fail among them shall be licensed by Jordan in accordance with the laws and regulations then in effect. For this purpose, the failed well shall be treated as though it was drilled under license from the competent Jordanian authority at the time of its drilling. Israel shall supply Jordan with the log of each of the wells and the technical information about it to be kept on record. The replacement well shall be connected to the Israeli electricity and water systems. 3. Israel may increase the abstraction rate from wells and systems in Jordan by up to (10) MCM/year above the yields referred to in paragraph 1 above, subject to a determination by the Joint Water Committee that this undertaking is hydrogeologically feasible and does not harm existing Jordanian uses. Such increase is to be carried out within five years from the entry into force of the Treaty. 4. Operation and Maintenance  Operation and maintenance of the wells and systems on Jordanian territory that supply Israel with water, and their electricity supply shall be Jordan's responsibility. The operation and maintenance of these wells and systems will be contracted at Israel's expense to authorities or companies selected by Israel. Jordan will guarantee easy unhindered access of personnel and equipment to such wells and systems for operation and maintenance. This subject will be further detailed in the agreements to be signed between Jordan and the authorities or companies selected by Israel.   Article V: Notification and Agreement 1. Artificial changes in or of the course of the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers can only be made by mutual agreement. 2. Each country undertakes to notify the other, six months ahead of time, of any intended projects which are likely to change the flow of either of the above rivers along their common boundary, or the quality of such flow. The subject will be discussed in the Joint Water Committee with the aim of preventing harm and mitigating adverse impacts such projects may cause.   Article VI: Co-operation 1. Jordan and Israel undertake to exchange relevant data on water resources through the Joint Water Committee. 2. Jordan and Israel shall co-operate in developing plans for purposes of increasing water supplies and improving water use efficiency, within the context of bilateral, regional or international cooperation.   Article VII: Joint Water Committee 1. For the purpose of the implementation of this Annex, the Parties will establish a Joint Water Committee comprised of three members from each country. 2. Governments specify its work procedures, the frequency of its meetings, and the details of its scope of work. The Committee may invite experts and/or advisors as may be required. 3. The Committee may form, as it deems necessary, a number of specialized sub- committees and assign them technical tasks. In this context, it is agreed that these sub-committees will include a northern sub-committee and a southern sub-committee, for the management on the ground of the mutual water resources in these sectors. Annex III: Crime and drugs Annex III Combating Crime And Drugs Pursuant to Article 12 of the Treaty of Peace. Jordan and Israel have decided to cooperate in the following fields: 1. Cooperation on Combating Dangerous Drugs The two Parties shall cooperate in fighting illicit drugs according to the legal system of their countries. The two Parties shall take all necessary measures to prevent drug smuggling between the two countries. The two Parties shall exchange information regarding drug trafficking and dealers' activities concerning the two countries. Information given by one of the Parties may not be shared with a third party without the consent of the Party which provided the information. The two Parties shall exchange and share the experience of fighting against drugs including anti-drug education, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation programs, technical means and methods of concealment. In order to identify the persons involved in drug activities, the two Parties shall facilitate controlled deliveries of drugs between the two countries according to their laws. Drug law enforcement officers from both sides shall meet periodically to coordinate efforts pertaining to drug problems concerning the two countries. The two Parties shall maintain open channels of communication such as fax, telephone, and telex for liaison purposes in drug matters concerning the two countries. The Two Parties shall cooperate with the multilateral forums which deal with drug issues in the area. The two Parties shall cooperate in investigating procedures necessary for collecting evidence and indictment in cases against drug dealers which concern either or both countries. The two Parties shall exchange information regarding statistics on the type and number of drug crimes committed in each country including detailed information regarding suspected and convicted persons involved in these cases. The two Parties shall exchange all relevant information regarding the narcotic drug producing laboratories if revealed in either of the two countries, including structure, working methods and technical features of the laboratory as well as the type and trademark of the product. The cooperation described in this document will be carried out in accordance with the legal systems of the two countries. 2. Crime The Parties have agreed that the Agreements to be negotiated pursuant to Article 12 of the Treaty shall cover the following issues: Crime: Exchange of information concerning all aspects of smuggling, theft (including art objects, vehicles, national treasures, antiquities and documents), etc. Apprehension of criminals and exchange of information including transmission of evidence in order to carry out judicial procedures in each of the two countries, subject to the relevant treaties and regulations. General Cooperation: Exchange of information regarding technical matters. Exchange of information regarding training and research. Joint police research projects on topics of mutual interest to both countries. Additional Issues: Rescue. Unintentional border crossing, fugitives from justice. Notification of detention of nationals of the other country. Establishment of a liaison mechanism between the sides. 3. Cooperation on Forensic Science The two Parties shall cooperate on the subjects of criminal identification and forensic science. The two Parties shall share and exchange professional experience and training programs, inter alia: Use of field kits for preliminary examinations. Analysis of illicit drugs. Analysis of poisons and toxic materials. Forensic biology and DNA examinations. Toolmarks and materials examinations. Questionable documents examinations. Analysis of voice prints. Analysis of fire arms. Detection of latent fingerprints. Analysis of explosive traces. Examination for arson in laboratories. Identification of victims in mass disasters. Research and development in forensic science. Annex IV: Environment Annex IV Environment Jordan and Israel acknowledge the importance of the ecology of the region, its high environmental sensitivity and the need to protect the environment and prevent danger and risks for the health and well-being of the region's population. They both recognize the need for conservation of natural resources, protection of biodiversity and the imperative of attaining economic growth based on sustainable development principles. In light of the above, both Parties agree to cooperate in matters relating to environmental protection in general and to those that may mutually effect them. Areas of such co-operation are detailed as follows: A. Taking the necessary steps both jointly and individually to prevent damage and risks to the environment in general, and in particular those that may affect people, natural resources and environmental assets in the two countries respectively. B. Taking the necessary steps by both countries to co-operate in the following areas: Environmental planning and management, including conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and exchanging of data on projects possessing potential impact on their respective environments. Environmental legislation, regulations, standards and enforcement thereof. Research and applied technology. Emergency response, monitoring, related notification procedures and control of damages. Code of conduct through regional charters. This may be achieved through the establishment of joint modalities and mechanisms of cooperation to ensure the exchange of information, communication and coordination regarding matters and activities of mutual environmental concern between their environmental administrations and experts. C. Environmental subjects to be addressed: Protection of nature, natural resources and biodiversity, including cooperation in planning and management of adjacent protected areas along the common border, and protection of endangered species and migratory birds. Air quality control, including general standards, criteria and all types of man-made hazardous radiation, fumes and gases. Marine environment and coastal resources management. Waste management, including hazardous wastes. Pest control, including house flies and mosquitoes, and prevention of diseases transferred by pests, such as malaria and leishmaniosis. Abatement and control of pollution, contamination and other man- made hazards to the environment. Desertification: combating desertification, exchange of information and research knowledge, and the implementation of suitable technologies. Public awareness and environmental education, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, information study materials, education programs and training through public actions and awareness campaigns. Noise: reducing noise pollution through regulation, licensing and enforcement, based on agreed standards. Potential co-operation in case of natural disasters. D. In accordance with the above, the two Parties agree to co-operate in activities and projects in the following geographical areas: The Gulf of Aqaba I.1 The Marine Environment: Natural resources. Coastal reef protection. Marine pollution: Marine sources: such as oil spills. Littering and waste disposal and others. Land-based sources: e.g. liquid waste, solid waste and littering. Abatement including monitoring and emergency response actions. I.2 Coastal Zone Management - The Littoral: Nature reserves and protected areas. Environmental protection of water resources. Liquid waste. Solid waste. Tourism and recreational activities. Ports. Transport. Industry and power generation. Air quality. Hazardous materials. Environmental assessments. The Rift Valley II.1 The Jordan River Jordan and Israel agree to cooperate along the common boundaries in the following aspects: Ecological rehabilitation of the Jordan River. Environmental protection of water resources to ensure optimal water quality, at reasonably usable standards. Agricultural pollution control. Liquid waste. Pest control. Nature reserves and protected areas. Tourism and historical heritage. II.2 The Dead Sea Nature reserves and protected areas. Pest control. Environmental protection of water resources. Industrial pollution control. Tourism and historical heritage. II.3 Wadi Araba/Emek Ha'arava Environmental protection of water resources. Nature reserves and protected areas. Tourism and historical heritage. Agricultural pollution control. Annex V: Interim Measures Annex V Interim Measures Border Crossing Points' Procedures Between Jordan And Israel In pursuance of Article 28 of the Treaty of Peace, the Parties have agreed as follows: 1. The Crossing Points between Jordan and Israel shall be opened in both directions for Jordanians, Israelis and third country nationals. 2. Procedures of crossing shall be in accordance with the regulations in both countries. 3. Each Party shall recognize passports of the other and the stamps and visas affixed by the other Party on such passports. The stamps on the passports will be in English and Arabic/Hebrew, and will include the date of the crossing, the name of the country which stamps the document, and the name of the crossing point. 4. The Crossing Points shall be open 5 days a week from Sunday to Thursday, during all the year, except for the first day of Al Hijrah calendar and Yom Kippur. The dates of these two holy days shall be communicated to the other side beforehand. 5. The Crossing Points shall be open from 08:00 to 18:30 hours. 6. Each Party has the right to refuse entry to a person, in accordance with its regulations. In this case, each Party undertakes to accept this person back into the country, without delay, according to international practices. 7. Each Party shall apply its customs regulations. 8. Each Party shall provide the passengers with the A.17 international immigration form of the other Party, before crossing. 9. Direct links, both telephonic and fax, shall be established between the authorities of both sides of the Crossing Points, in order to provide solutions to any problem. 10. The passenger's passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of the crossing, in accordance with the international practices. 11. Each Party shall provide the other with a list of the countries whose citizens are exempted from its visa requirements. 12. These arrangements shall to into effect the day following the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty. 13. Within a period of up to 3 months from the date stated in paragraph 12 above, interim arrangements regulating passage of persons through the crossing points, and visa procedures shall be applied. Both Parties may shorten this period by mutual agreement. 14. During the interim period mentioned in paragraph 13 above, visas to Jordanian and Israeli citizens shall be granted as agreed between the Parties. 15. Pending the mutual opening of the Embassies in the two countries, Jordanian and Israeli nationals shall be granted the necessary visas through the following procedures: The tourist shall apply for the visa through a travel agent in his country, who shall convey the application to his counterpart travel agent in the other country. This correspondent travel agent shall apply for the visa to the Ministry of Interior in his country. The visa shall then be collected at the Crossing Point with a copy to be sent to the travel agent, and another one shall be delivered to the terminals on each side. Upon the opening of the Embassies in both countries, the Parties will adjust the above procedures as necessary. Visitors such as businessmen, scientists, officials and journalists, shall contact the respective counterpart who in turn shall apply on their behalf to the Ministry of Interior as above. The visa shall then be collected at the Crossing Point and a copy shall be delivered to the terminals on each side. Upon the opening of the Embassies in both countries, these persons will apply for visas through the respective Embassies. 16. Visa fees shall be collected on a reciprocal basis. Terminal fees shall be collected in accordance with applicable regulations in both countries. 17. This system shall be revised after two months and a half from the date mentioned in paragraph 12 above, in accordance with any relevant bilateral agreements to be signed as an outcome of this Treaty. 18. The existing arrangements for Muslim Israeli nationals who cross into Jordan in transit to Saudi Arabia for Muslim Pilgrimage, shall continue to be applicable. 19. Transportation for Jordanian and Israeli tourists between terminals of each of the Crossing Points shall be by shuttle bus, and the tourist vehicles provided by travel agents of the visited country shall carry them from its terminal to their final destinations. 20. The Parties agree that matters relating to persons entering one of the two countries by one Crossing Point, Harbors or Airports, and wishing to exit that country also through other border Crossing Points, Harbors or Airports shall be discussed during the interim period mentioned in Paragraph 13 above. 21. The Parties agree that matters relating to the passage of vehicles through the Crossing Points shall be discussed during the interim period mentioned in paragraph 13 above, taking into account the transportation, tourism and any other relevant bilateral agreements, to be concluded by the Parties. 22. Teams of the two Parties shall monitor the implementation of this Annex. Attachments: Agreed Minutes A to D Agreed Minutes A. Concerning Article 3(f) stating that: "Immediately upon the exchange of the instruments of ratification of this Treaty, each Party will deploy on its side of the international boundary as defined in Annex I(a)”. The Parties recognize the practical questions connected with the deployment (such as demarcation, minefields, fences), and therefore would interpret the language to mean that the deployment would start immediately, continue uninterruptedly and expeditiously, and conclude no later than 3 months after the exchange of the instruments of ratification. B. With regard to economic and monetary matters pertaining specifically to the territories under Israeli Military control, the two governments shall consult with each other with the aim of: Eliminating or mitigating adverse effects on their economies. Giving each other enough time to make the necessary adjustments. The above is without prejudice to activities which are the result of relations with other states or to former obligations with regard to the territories referred to above except to the extent that the implementation of such obligations may have adverse effects and to the extent that the implementation is within their control. C. In the spirit of peace the two Parties attach high priority to the planned recreation joint venture project in the Baqura/Naharayim area. They favorably consider the partnership in peace to be created there and will endeavor together to promote its implementation as soon as possible. D. The Parties will, upon the signature of this Treaty, establish a joint committee headed by senior officials to monitor the implementation of this Treaty and the conclusion of relevant agreements, in accordance with the Treaty provisions.

Arab Palestinian-Israeli Conflict – Over a century of ongoing dispute - YJ Draiman

Arab Palestinian-Israeli Conflict – Over a century of ongoing dispute

Arab Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

The Israeli–Arab/Palestinian conflict is an ongoing dispute between the State of Israel and the Arab/Palestinians and is part of the wider Arab–Israeli conflict. At present, major polls show the vast majority of Israelis and Arab/Palestinians do not agree a two-state solution is the best way to end the conflict. Most Arab/Palestinians falsely view the Judea and Samaria aka West Bank and Gaza Strip as their future state, and most Israelis disagree. The Arabs received about 78% of Jewish allocated land by International law and treaties after WWI and the new Arab State was set-up on all the land east of the Jordan River, now called Jordan. Today, over 75% of the population of Jordan is Arab/Palestinians and most Arabs in Judea and Samaria aka West Bank carry Jordanian passports. Therefore, Jordan is the Arab/Palestinian state that was set-up illegally on Jewish territory in violation of international laws and treaties.

Since the six day war of June 1967; the negotiating parties to resolve the conflict, have been the Israeli government and the Arab/Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

The official negotiations were originally mediated by an international contingent known as the Quartet on the Middle East (the Quartet) represented by a special envoy that consists of the United States, Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations. The Arab League (who recommended the expulsion of the Jews from Arab countries and the confiscation of all their assets), another important actor, has proposed an alternative peace plan. Egypt, a founding member of the Arab League, has historically been a key participant. The United States has been an ardent supporter of Israel often taking positions against UN Resolutions (which are only a recommendation and non-binding until accepted by all the parties) condemning the actions of Israel. But rarely if ever is the UN condemning terror and violence by the Arabs against Israel, or any other Arab violations against Israel.

Since 2006, the Arab/Palestinian side has been fractured by conflict between the two major factions: Fattah, the largest party, and Hamas. As a result, the territory controlled by the Arab/Palestinian National Authority (the Palestinian interim authority) is split between Fattah in Judea and Samaria aka West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza strip, which also historically is Jewish land.

Hamas is recognized by the world at large as a terrorist organization and if the world nations reverse that decision. Hamas will still be recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States; although Hamas deceptively and by force and intimidation won the Arab/Palestinian 2006 elections in Gaza; therefore, Hamas has not been allowed to participate in official negotiations. The Arab/Palestinians are the occupiers; these people are living in refugee camps with sufficient food, potable water, electricity, adequate medical care, and work.

New Peace negotiations between the Arabs and Israelis began at Annapolis, Maryland, United States, in November 2007. No final solution occurred to date; but Arab terror and violence continues unabated, which is an obstacle to peace negotiations and coexistence. The parties agree there are six 'final status' issues which need to be resolved: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security, borders and water. Thus; when the Arab/Palestinians would relocate to Jordan, (which was set-up as the new Arab State on Jewish territory under international law and treaties), then most disputes would be resolved. (Israel from a legal authority under international law; has the right to demand the return of its territory in Jordan).

Causes of the Arab/Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict stems from competing Jewish and Arab claims to the land in Palestine (the Zionist liberation and occupation of its Jewish Palestinian land), and the conflicting promises by the British in the forms of the Hussein-McMahon Correspondence (which he signed an affidavit, that he never promised Palestine to the Arabs) and the Balfour Declaration of 1917 confirming that all of Palestine as the historical ancestral land of the Jewish people and the promise to reconstitute the Jewish National Home in all of Palestine (this was made into international law and treaties; after WWI and confirmed by the 1920 treaty of Sevres and Lausanne, including the 1919 Faisal Weitzman Agreement acknowledging that all of Palestine as the Jewish National Home. Moreover; the past century; saw countless outbreaks of violence between Jewish and Arab residents in the region of Jewish Palestine.

The roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict can be traced to the late 19th century, which saw a rise in national movements, including Zionism and Arab nationalism in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and others. Zionism, the Jewish national movement, was established as a political movement in 1897, largely as a response to Russian and European anti-Semitism.

Zionism sought the re-establishment of the Jewish Nation-State in all of Palestine so that they might find sanctuary and self-determination there. Palestine aka the land of Israel is the Jewish historical ancestral land, which was never forsaken or abandoned.

The Jewish people ever since the destruction of the second Jewish Temple on Temple Mount in Jerusalem; have prayed for their return to Jerusalem, celebrated holidays in the memory of Jerusalem, observed fast days in its memory and the Jewish people mourn the destruction of the Jewish Temple on a daily basis including at Jewish marriage ceremony, by breaking a glass and recited during the three daily prayers; aspiring and pleading to the almighty for the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Jewish Temple on Temple Mount; where the previous two Jewish Temples stood.

The World Zionist Organization and the Jewish National Fund encouraged and promoted immigration and funded the purchase of land under Ottoman rule and while the British Mandate control (as trustee for the Jewish people) in the region of Jewish Palestine.

In the 1870’s, a wave of anti-Semitism spurred a new migration from central Europe, and in 1898, Theodore Hertzel organized a Zionist international movement to establish in Palestine the reconstituted home for the Jewish People secured by public law. Thousands of Jewish Palestinians were already living in Palestine as their descendants had done so for over 35 centuries.

In 1917, Arthur James Balfour, as Foreign Secretary, authored the Balfour Declaration, which supported the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in all of Palestine. The Balfour Declaration pledged England’s support of Zionist goals in order to win the support of the international community, especially American Jews support to the Allies during World War I. Thus, many Jews joined; The British and Allied armies to fight the Germans and the Ottoman Empire.

In 1916, one year prior to the 1917 Balfour Declaration, a secret agreement was made between the British War Cabinet and Zionist leaders promising the latter a “national home” in Palestine in consideration of their efforts to bring the United States into World War I on the side of Great Britain.

Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Palestine came under the control of the United Kingdom through the Sykes-Picot Agreement and a League of Nations mandate for Palestine. During the Palestine mandatory period, the British were the trustee for the Jewish people with duty and obligation to promote Jewish immigration, help develop the country and establish the sovereign government of Israel.

The British intentionally violated the terms of the Mandate and allocated Jewish land to the Arabs and reallocated about 78% of Jewish territory under international law and treaties, east of the Jordan River as the new State of Transjordan now known as Jordan.

The British submitted the Balfour Declaration of 1917 to the Jewish people. The Paris Peace Conference in 1919-20 and subsequent Supreme Allied Powers International conferences made Palestine a British mandate, with the British as trustee for the Jewish people to create a Jewish sovereign state. The League of Nations adopted and approved the international treaties, and more Jews entered Palestine. The Arab/Palestinians resented this “immigration” into their occupied territory. Tensions between Arab and Jewish groups in the region erupted into physical violence—That started the Arab riots and violence against the Jews: 1920 Palestine riots, the 1921 Palestine riots, the 1929 Arab Hebron massacre of the Jews and the 1936-1939 Arab revolt in Palestine; that began the forced expulsion of many Jews from Jerusalem and their property taken over by the Arabs.

The British tried to maintain a precarious peace, but Hitler’s anti-Semitic policy increased the influx of Jews into Palestine and caused further Arab resentment. The Jewish population rose to nearly half a million in 1935. The Arab rebellion started in 1936 and continued to expand until a major British Military effort suppressed it two years later; destroying and leveling whole streets of Arab homes, meanwhile many Jews were injured and killed, and property destroyed.

The British illegally proposed a failed partition plan, while the British White Paper of 1939 illegally established a quota for Jewish immigration set by the British in the short-term; (which caused the deaths of millions of Jews trying to escape Nazi extermination), and by the Arab population in the long-term. Both Arab terrorists and Jewish groups directed violence against the British in order to expel the British mandatory government from Palestine, which was held in contempt by both sides.

In 1942, Zionist leaders met in New York’s Biltmore Hotel to devise the Biltmore Program which called for unlimited immigration of Jews to Palestine which, after the war, would become a sovereign Jewish commonwealth state.

In May 1945, after the German surrender, the Jewish Agency wrote Prime Minister Churchill demanding the full and immediate implementation of the Biltmore resolution, the cancellation of the White Paper, the establishment of Palestine as a Jewish state, Jewish immigration to be an Agency responsibility, and reparation to be made by Germany in kind beginning with all German property in Palestine. The Arab/Palestinians, who are the occupiers of Jewish land, have no say in any of this.

The British stalled, and the Haganah (the Jewish voluntary militia organized in local units primarily for local defense) engaged in extensive smuggling of Jewish Holocaust survivors. In October 1945, Haganah’s clandestine radio station, Kol Israel, declared the beginning of “The Jewish Resistance Movement”. On October 31, 1945 the Jews in Palestine engaged in an extensive “Jewish defensive” campaign and attacked three small British naval craft, wrecked British railway lines, and attacked a British railway station and a British oil refinery. In June 1946, Jewish defense forces executed more sabotage in Palestine against the oppressive British authorities who violated the terms of the Mandate with impunity. The Jewish defense group in Palestine destroyed twenty-two RAF planes at one airfield. 

The Haganah agreed to an Irgun (Jewish defense group offshoot of Haganah) attack on British headquarters in the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The bombings killed ninety-one British, Arab, and Jewish people and wounded forty-five. The Jewish defense forces had notified the King David Hotel of the impending explosion, but the British chose to ignore it, to the detriment of all those casualties.

The British retaliated by raiding the Irgun headquarters in Tel Aviv. By the end of 1946 the Irgun-Stern groups in protecting and defending the unarmed terrorized Jewish people had killed 373 persons. The Haganah and the Jewish defense forces continued to operate with at least tacit support of a large part of the Jewish citizenry, who were consistently terrorized by the Arabs and harassed by the British.

Attack on Acre Prison, 4th May 1947

Disguised as British troops and with apparently the correct documents such as movement orders and identity papers, the Irgun blasted their way in. Jewish inmates obviously knew ahead of time as they then collaborated in the attack and escape.

To add to the confusion and panic, grenades were lobbed into the part of the prison which held those mentally unfit. A number of imprisoned Irgun terrorists and more than 100 Arabs escaped but there were troops in the vicinity and fighting resulted.

Most of the escapees got away but 8 Jews were killed and 13 were captured, many of them wounded. One of the attackers was Eitan Livni, a Pole, the father of Tzipi Livni an Israeli politician.

This violence and the heavy cost of World War II led Britain to abandon its promise and duty to re-establish the sovereignty of the Jewish people in Palestine and it turned the issue of Jewish Palestine which was reconstituted in 1920 by international law and treaty, over to the United Nations.

In 1947, the U.N. in violation of international laws and treaties and against its charter it recommended and approved the meaningless partition of the British Mandate of Palestine as trustee for the Jewish people, into two states: one Jewish and one Arab. The Jewish leadership accepted the plan, but Palestinian Arab leaders, supported by the Arab League, rejected the plan outright. The rejection by the Arabs made the UN recommendation of partition meaningless. Thus, a major conflict broke out, when the local Arabs attacked the local Jews. Israel who was fighting for survival gained the upper hand after some losses in this inter-communal fighting, and on May 14, 1948; The Jewish people declared its sovereign independence.

Five Arab League countries (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Transjordan and Iraq and other Arab militia), then invaded Palestine, starting the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The war eventually resulted in an Israeli victory after substantial losses, with Israel capturing additional territory beyond the UN illegal partition borders, but within the terms of international law and treaties of post WWI. After the armistice agreements went into affect. Jerusalem was left as a divided city. The territory Israel did not re-capture was taken over by Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Transjordan (now Jordan). The war also resulted in the 1948 Palestinian exodus, which was caused at the urging of the 5 invading Arab armies, known to Palestinians as Al-Naqba.

For decades after 1948 and the Arab armies failed invasion of Palestine aka Israel. Arab governments had refused to recognize Israel and in 1964 the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded with the central tenet that Palestine, with its original Mandate borders, (that means it includes the land east of the Jordan River which is now Jordan) is the indivisible homeland of the Arab Palestinian people. This was the doctrine the Soviets had programmed to the PLO.  In turn, Israel refused to recognize the PLO as a negotiating partner.

In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured the whole Sinai up to the Suez Canal and liberated Judea and Samaria aka West Bank from Jordan, Golan from Syria, the Gaza Strip from Egypt, and East Jerusalem including the Old City and its holy sites, which Israel annexed and reunited with the Western neighborhoods of Jerusalem. The status of the city as Israel's capital and the liberation occupation of Judea and Samaria aka West Bank and Gaza Strip (which is Israel’s territory under international law, agreements and treaties) created more conflict between the Arabs and Israelis.

In 1970, the PLO tried to take over Jordan and was expelled from Jordan, in what was known as the Black September. Large numbers of Arab/Palestinians moved into Lebanon after the Black September, joining the thousands Arabs already in Lebanon. In October 1973; a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria launched the Yom Kippur War against Israel. The Egyptians and Syrians advanced during the first 24–48 hours, after which momentum began to swing in Israel's favor. The Jewish state called in its reserves, and after fighting numerous hard and bloody battles on two fronts; Israeli defense forces reached 30 miles from Cairo in the Egyptian front and 20 miles from Damascus in the Syrian front.

Eventually a cease-fire took effect that ended the war. This war with Israel the victor; paved the way for the Camp David Accords in 1978, which was suppose to set a precedent for future peace negotiations. In Israel, defending itself is a matter of survival. It is Israel must fight to defend itself and must win at all costs or be annihilated, for Israel and its people, there is no other option.

Status of Israel’s liberated occupied territories

Occupied Jewish Palestinian Territories is the term used by the UN to refer to the Judea and Samaria aka West Bank, Golan and Gaza Strip— territories which Israel conquered and liberated in a defensive war, it was liberated from Egypt, Syria and Jordan in the June 1967 Six-Day War—in the conflict. The Israeli government uses the term “Disputed Territories”, to indicate its position that most territories cannot be called occupied and are considered, liberated Jewish territory. Thus, Israel has a right to these territories under post WWI international law and treaties, as no nation had clear rights to them except Israel under international law, and there was no new operative diplomatic arrangement when Israel liberated and re-acquired them in June 1967.

Israeli communities-settlements in 1920 Jewish allocated territory

Israel is falsely accused: The Israeli communities-settlements in Judea and Samaria aka West Bank and, until 2005, the Gaza Strip has been an obstacle to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The international media, the international political community (including the US, the UK, and the EU), the International Court of Justice, and international and human rights organizations who have also falsely called the settlements illegal; while ignoring Israel’s rights under international law and treaties. On the Contrary International law and treaties of post WWI specifically allocated all of Palestine as the reconstituted Jewish National Home and the right to reside anywhere in Palestine. This was confirmed by the 1920 treaty of Sevres and Lausanne, including the January 1919 Faisal Weitzman Agreement acknowledging that all of Palestine is the reconstituted Jewish State.

In the years following the Six-Day War, and especially in the 1990’s during the so called peace process, Israel re-established its communities and towns destroyed in 1929 and 1948 and established numerous new communities-settlements in Judea and Samaria aka West Bank.

Most of these communities-settlements of about 690,000 people are in the western parts of Judea and Samaria aka West Bank, while others are deep into Jewish Palestinian territory (which Arabs are permitted to reside and control at the generosity of the government of Israel), overlooking Jewish Palestinian cities, (which Arabs are permitted to reside and control at the generosity of the Israeli government). These communities-settlements have been the site of much inter-communal conflict. These false charges are instigated by the Arabs, who are not satisfied with the over 5 million square miles of territory they received after WWI. Now they also want what is left from the 75,000 square miles of land; allocated to the Jewish people after WWI, under international law and treaties.

Jerusalem

The three largest Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—claim Jerusalem in their religious and historical narratives. Israel asserts, and rightly so, that the city of Jerusalem since King David purchased Jerusalem from the Jebusites (to prevent conflict), has always been the capital of the Jewish Nation and cannot be divided; thus, Jerusalem must remain unified within Israel's political control and sovereignty. Arab/Palestinians falsely claim at least the parts of the city which were not controlled by Israel prior to June 1967 war. As of 2009, there are 695,000 Jews mostly living in all of Jerusalem, and there are 232,000 Muslims mostly living in East Jerusalem and areas nearby. There are also Christians and others, totaling about 70,000 people.

Arab-Palestinian refugees and a million Jewish refugees from Arab Countries

There are about 400,000 Arab/Palestinians and their descendants who were urged to flee from Israel by the Arab League following its creation (about 300,000 Arabs stayed and benefited greatly from Israel’s democracy; some became judges and some became members of the Israeli Parliament; something which is not permitted to Jews in any Arab-Muslim country). Arab-Palestinian refugees were asked to leave their homes by the 5 invading Arab armies while they advanced to destroy the new Sovereign Nation of Israel. Thus, Israel’s new defense forces; which included former personnel from the Haganah, Lehi, and Irgun. These unified Jewish forces defeated the Arab armies, and an armistice was declared. Armistice agreements were executed and demarcation lines were drawn as cease fire line, not borders.

The Arab Countries terrorized and expelled over a million Jewish families. Many of these families have lived in the Arab countries over 2400 years. This would be a thousand years before Islam was even created. The Arabs also confiscated all the assets of the expelled Jews, including businesses, homes and over 70,000 square miles of land (6 times the size of Israel), valued today in the trillions of dollars. Most of the Jewish families expelled from Arab lands, were resettled in Israel and today comprise over half the population in Israel. The worldwide population increase of the expelled Jewish families from Arab lands and their descendants number today over 8 million.

Arab/Palestinian negotiators have so far insisted that Arab refugees who left of their own volition, and all their descendants, from the 1948 and 1967 wars have a right to return to the places where they lived before 1948 and 1967; that includes those within the 1949 Armistice lines. The Arabs are citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UN General Assembly Resolution 194, adopted in 1948, which is only a recommendation and has no validity unless accepted by all parties, which states:

"the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors” (and as the past 68 years has shown that the Arab/Palestinians do not live in peace but commit terror and violence) “should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity”, (that also applies to the million Jewish families, refugees from Arab countries), “should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible."

UN Resolution 3236 "reaffirms also the inalienable right of the Arab/Palestinians and the Jewish people and their families to return to their homes and property from which they have been displaced and uprooted, and calls for their return".

This terminology of return applies to the Jews who were forcefully expelled from Palestine, aka The Land of Israel by any past occupying force.

Resolution 242 from the UN affirms the necessity for "achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem". That includes the over million Jewish families-refugees from Arab countries who also had all their assets confiscated, including over 120,000 square km. of land.