The recent surge of pro-Palestine protests in Jordan has not only echoed through the streets of Amman but has also sent ripples of concern across the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom watches with a wary eye as the demonstrations reflect a broader sentiment that could challenge the delicate balance of regional diplomacy.
The Israeli embassy in Amman has become the epicenter of the protests, with thousands gathering to voice their outrage over the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The sheer scale of the demonstrations has taken Jordanian authorities by surprise, prompting a heavy-handed response that has only fueled the fire of public dissent.
The protestors’ demands are clear: the closure of the embassy and an end to normalization with Israel. Their persistence is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted solidarity with the Palestinian cause that transcends Jordan’s borders and resonates with a wider Arab audience.
The Saudi Stance
Saudi Arabia’s apprehension stems from the potential for these protests to inspire similar movements within its own borders. The kingdom’s leadership is acutely aware that the Palestinian issue remains a potent symbol of Arab unity and resistance, capable of uniting disparate groups in common cause.
The protests also pose a challenge to Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests, which include maintaining a stable alliance with the United States and a nuanced relationship with Israel. The kingdom fears that the unrest could disrupt its delicate foreign policy balance, particularly as it seeks to navigate the complex geopolitics of the Middle East.
A Regional Domino Effect?
The situation in Jordan could set a precedent for other nations in the region, where public opinion on Palestine runs high. Saudi Arabia is concerned that the protests could embolden opposition groups and lead to a broader regional backlash against governments perceived as too accommodating to Western or Israeli interests.
The kingdom is also wary of the protests’ potential to strengthen transnational Islamist groups, which could exploit the situation to gain a foothold in regional politics. This concern is particularly acute given the historical tensions between Saudi Arabia and movements like the Muslim Brotherhood.
