Iran may build a ‘ring of fire’ around Israel by exploiting the Palestinian refugee crisis. Trump’s plan to displace Gazans to Jordan risks destabilizing the region, raising fears about jihadist infiltration. Jordan faces economic strain and internal unrest as it manages a growing population of refugees, complicating the political landscape.
Iran poses a significant threat to Israel with the possibility of establishing a “ring of fire” through its influence over Islamic militants and the potential influx of refugees from Gaza. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal suggests relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, which experts warn could destabilize Jordan, a nation friendly to the West.
Trump’s insistence that Jordan and Egypt will accept Palestinian refugees on a “temporary or permanent” basis raises alarms, with the potential for jihadists to infiltrate these countries amid the refugee influx. This could enable Iran to extend its support and influence within Jordan, creating a new transit route to the West Bank.
The US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, noted that rebuilding Gaza could take between 10 to 15 years following his recent assessments in the region. However, Jordan and Egypt have firmly rejected the displacement plan, with the Palestinian Authority viewing it as ethnic cleansing.
Jordan faces its own challenges, including internal pressures due to activism supported by Iran, against the backdrop of its monarch’s recent failures to back Hamas. King Abdullah II’s apprehension centers on the possible entry of jihadists among innocent Gazans, jeopardizing the stability of his rule.
Experts like Megan Sutcliffe suggest that an influx of Palestinians into Jordan could bring concealed militants, enabling Iran to further assert its influence around Israel. The establishment of links to militant groups may also destabilize the already tumultuous situation in the West Bank.
Moreover, the economic ramifications of hosting more refugees could strain Jordan’s resources, which is already coping with a significant number of Palestinians and Syrian refugees. Jordan, being non-oil-producing, may face heightened dissatisfaction within its populace, challenging the government’s stability and authority.
The article discusses Iran’s strategic intentions to reinforce its position in the Middle East by utilizing Islamic militant groups and potentially exploiting the situation of Palestinian refugees. It outlines the risks associated with Donald Trump’s plan to resettle Gazan refugees in Jordan and Egypt, examining the geopolitical implications for Jordan, a key regional player ally of the West, and the internal strife it may incite as Iranian-backed activists challenge the monarchy.
In summary, Iran’s maneuvering poses considerable dangers to Israel through the establishment of a militant presence around its borders. Trump’s proposals for Palestinian resettlement could destabilize Jordan, incite internal conflict, and strain its economy. Concerns about unidentified militants infiltrating Jordan, coupled with heightened tensions in the West Bank, underline the complexity of the regional situation that requires careful diplomatic navigation.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
