Jordanian MP warns: Evacuating the Jordan Valley benefits Israel and threatens national security

AMMAN, Aug. 20 (YPA) – Jordanian MP Ahmed Qatawneh warned of the dangers of Israel annexing Jordanian lands adjacent to the border, against the backdrop of government plans to expropriate and evacuate areas in the Jordan Valley for strategic projects.

During a recent session of the House of Representatives, Qatawneh said that the state’s expropriation of lands in the Jordan Valley with the aim of evacuating them and creating a buffer zone serves the interests of the Zionist entity.

He based his warning on the opinion of retired Colonel Muhammad al-Muqabala, a military expert, stressing that the population presence in the Jordan Valley constitutes the first line of defense and the national and security dimension for protecting Jordan’s borders.

This comes amid widespread controversy in the southern Jordan Valley, especially Ghor al-Safi and Fifa, regarding the expropriation of about 3,500 dunams for projects such as the Arab Potash Company and the railway, coinciding with the discussion of the Real Estate Ownership Law in Parliament.

Popular and parliamentary concerns are escalating regarding property rights and food sovereignty, in addition to security warnings about the dangers of creating a buffer zone devoid of inhabitants on the border with Israel.