King Abdullah’s UNGA warnings on Israel’s actions in Syria reflect wider regional shift – analysis

At the UN General Assembly on September 22, Jordan's King Abdullah II issued a strong warning regarding Israel's actions in Syria, signaling a shift in regional perceptions of Israel. While Jordan has historically criticized Israel over Palestinian issues and Jerusalem, the King's recent remarks focused on Israel's regional strategy, stating, "This Israeli government's appetite is now a regional threat, and today, Syria is the warning." He specifically referenced Israel's incursions into Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and ongoing bombings.

The King also asserted, "Step by calculated step, Israel is testing how far it can go."

Jordan, which supported Syrian rebels during the civil war but now embraces the new Damascus government, fears Israel's policies in southern Syria, including its backing of Druze autonomy and demands for demilitarization, could destabilize the region and exacerbate issues like drug smuggling. This stance reflects a growing sentiment among some regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, who now view Israel as a potential threat filling a power vacuum left by Iran's decline, rather than a potential ally.