According to an Israeli air force official speaking to NBC News, Jordan permitted Israeli fighter jets to enter its airspace for the interception of incoming Iranian missiles and drones.
The official explained in a briefing to reporters, “To counter threats originating from the east, we must deploy to an eastern location relative to Israel.” The operation was conducted with prior coordination.
The recent direct assault by Iran against Israel marked an unprecedented event, matched by an unprecedented level of cooperation between Israel and its Arab counterpart in the response. Coordinated by the US military, Jordanian and Israeli fighters collaborated in intercepting the barrage of drones and missiles.
In an official statement on Sunday, Jordan’s government clarified that the interceptions aimed at safeguarding its citizens rather than solely defending Israel. Nonetheless, it signifies a significant instance of joint military action between the two nations.
Despite the peace treaty signed in 1994, relations between Jordan and Israel have oscillated, with local opposition to the agreement prevailing at times. The predominantly Islamist Jordanian parliament has expressed anti-Israel sentiments and has previously advocated for a reassessment of all formal ties with Israel, including the peace accord.
Past parliamentary decisions, such as the approval to establish a committee for the review of ties with Israel, do not automatically translate to the annulment of the peace agreements. Such a significant decision necessitates approval from the government, the royal palace, and the advisory council to Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
{Matzav.com Israel}
