Jordan's Control Over the West Bank: A Historical Overview
The control of the West Bank by Jordan has been a subject of significant historical and geopolitical interest since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. This West Bank has been a contested territory, repeatedly changing hands during the Arab-Israeli wars and peace negotiations.
The Events of 1948
Following the UN Partition Plan of 1947, the newly established United Nations aimed to create a Jewish state and an Arab state in the former Palestinian mandate. However, the “West Bank,” which was supposed to be part of the Arab state, was attacked and seized by Transjordan, which later renamed itself Jordan. Similarly, Egypt attacked and captured the Gaza Strip.
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War began immediately after the declaration of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. Five Arab nations invaded the area, but Jordan managed to establish control over the West Bank, a move that was neither invited nor sanctioned. Despite the United States' earlier offers of de facto recognition to Israel and the United Nations' efforts to broker peace, the war continued into 1949. The conflict ended with separate armistice agreements, but the West Bank remained under Jordanian control.
The 1967 Six-Day War
Jordan's control over the West Bank was short-lived. In 1967, Jordan saw an opportunity to gain more territory and invaded the West Bank again without seeking prior permission from the international community. This move was quickly met with resistance, leading to the 1967 Six-Day War. During this war, Israel regained control of the West Bank, and this became a significant turning point in the ongoing dispute over the region.
It should be noted that Jordan did not ask for anyone's permission to seize the West Bank during the 1948 war, as it was part of the British Mandate and had been allocated to Transjordan by the United Nations partition plan. Its annexation and control were a direct result of military actions, rather than diplomatic agreements or recognition.
The Significance of Judea and Samaria
The West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria, holds significant historical and religious value for both Jews and Muslims. The 1947 U.N. peace plan allocated part of the British Mandate to Jordan, with the intention that it would become a part of the Arab state. However, this transfer of land was not permanent; after Jordan's defeat in 1967, it was considered a loss of territory.
The West Bank became a buffer zone for both Israel and its neighboring Arab states, serving to mitigate tensions and prevent potential conflicts. Following the 1967 war, Jordan made peace with Israel, a move that led to a period of prosperity for both nations. Currently, the issue of the West Bank remains a contentious topic in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Conclusion
The control of the West Bank by Jordan has been marked by military conquest and complex geopolitical dynamics. Understanding the historical context helps in comprehending the ongoing disputes over this region. While the West Bank has been under Jordanian control for a short period, its current status is a result of the ongoing negotiations and the outcomes of various wars and conflicts.
Keywords: Jordan, West Bank, Palestine, Arab-Israeli War, 1967 Six-Day War