Watan-In a step described as a reward for Amman’s interception of Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel, the newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth” predicted that Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen would extend the water agreement with Jordan for another year, amid the cooperation shown by the kingdom in countering Iranian attacks on Israel.

The newspaper reported that Israel was extremely hesitant about this issue in light of provocative statements by senior Jordanian officials regarding the war in Gaza, but recent Jordanian cooperation with Israel has shifted the balance.

It added that Jordanian aircraft played a significant role in intercepting Iranian drone attacks and allowed US aircraft to operate in the kingdom to intercept the Iranian threat.

The newspaper also cited sources saying that in light of reports indicating that Jordan was a key part of the international coalition initiated by the United States to counter the Iranian attack on Israel, it is expected that Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen will commit to extending the increasing water agreement with Israel for another year, at the request of Jordan.

The Americans exerted pressure on Israel to respond to Jordan’s request, originally asking for a five-year extension of the water agreement.

However, after Israel delayed its response, Jordanians reduced their demand and requested an extension for only one year.

Jordan suffers from a severe water shortage due to limited water sources and the influx of a large number of refugees from Syria into Jordan. According to the newspaper, several years of drought and the effects of climate change, alongside the arrival of a very large number of refugees from Syria to Jordan, have exacerbated the situation in the country, with the water deficit estimated at about one billion cubic meters annually.

What is the Jordan Valley Agreement?

The Jordan-Israel Valley Agreement stipulates that “the latter” commits to transferring 50 million cubic meters of water to Jordan annually.

In mid-2021, then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett decided to double the amount of water and transfer 100 million cubic meters of water to Jordan.

The agreement, signed at that time, was for three years and was due to expire next month. It now appears that, in light of Jordanian assistance, Minister Cohen is inclined to respond to the request and extend the water agreement for another year.

Jordan shoots down dozens of Iranian drones

Jordanian fighter jets had shot down dozens of Iranian drones flying towards Israel.

Explosions were heard in the skies of the Jordanian capital after interceptions of these drones.

Jordan officially announces the downing of drone bodies

Officially, the Jordanian government stated that it dealt with some of the drone bodies that entered its airspace, referring to the drones and missiles launched by Iran against Israel.

The Cabinet clarified in a statement: “We dealt with some of the drone bodies that entered our airspace and intercepted them to prevent them from endangering the safety of our citizens and inhabited areas.”

It noted that debris fell in multiple locations without causing significant damage or injuries among citizens.