Israelis, Jordanians, Palestinians meet on Jordan River
Zionist Union MK Erel Margalit: "Israel can help improve the lives of 600,000 Jordanians on the other side of the river."
By GIL HOFFMANUpdated: NOVEMBER 28, 2016 00:39Zionist Union MK Erel Margalit meeting with Jordanian Minister Saad Abu Hammour.(photo credit: Courtesy)
A group of Israelis, Jordanians and Palestinians met last week to discuss how to help rehabilitate the Jordan River.The meeting was organized by the environmental organization EcoPeace, which has been working to clean environmental damage to the river caused by a lack of infrastructure on the Jordanian side of the river.“Jordan is a partner for regional interests and a key force for advancement with the Palestinians,” said Zionist Union MK Erel Margalit, who took part in the Wednesday event. “The time has come to add economic cooperation to the current security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. Israel can help improve the lives of 600,000 Jordanians on the other side of the river.”Margalit lectured to some 200 Jordanians, including members of parliament, government officials and businessmen, outlining his diplomatic plan, which would encourage more economic cooperation with the Palestinians and Arab countries in an effort to build trust.Businessmen from the Gaza Strip also participated in the conference, met with Margalit and other Israelis, and expressed interest in learning how to fix collapsed water systems there.“The Jordanians are aware of Israel’s abilities, and it is a big honor to take part in this project with them,” Margalit said following a meeting with Jordan Valley Authority secretary- general Saad Abu-Hammour.The World Bank and international businessmen will help fund the massive initiative that could cost billions. The businessmen will help develop the Jordanian side of the river.Deputy Regional Cooperation Minister Ayoub Kara participated in a similar meeting on Tuesday with Jordanians and Palestinians about cooperating on the Dead Sea. The project, involving researchers from Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, will be funded by Kara’s ministry.