Introduction

The West Bank, a region in close proximity to Israel and Jordan, has been the focal point of heated debates on sovereignty and historical rights. A common misconception is that Jordan once offered to cede the West Bank to the Palestinians or had abandoned the territory. This article aims to debunk this myth by delving into the historical and legal context surrounding Jordan's role in the West Bank.

Historical Context and Territorial Claims

After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jordan remained in control of the West Bank until 1967 when it was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War. Prior to this, there was no specific designation of 'Palestinians' as an independent nationality, with the organization that later became known as the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) coming into existence only in 1964. The PLO initially claimed what is now Jordan's East Bank and parts of the West Bank, but not the entire West Bank.

Legal and Historical Arguments

Jordan's control of the West Bank was neither voluntary nor accepted by the international community as a legal transfer of sovereignty. Jordan annexed the territory in 1950, but this move faced significant opposition, particularly from the Arab League, which rejected Jordan's unilateral annexation. The international community never recognized Jordan's claim, and more than 90 countries have voted that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is illegal, akin to the initial occupation by Jordan in 1948.

Relinquishment or Abandonment?

It is important to note that Jordan never relinquished its claim on the West Bank. Instead, Jordan viewed its control as a temporary arrangement pending the establishment of a Palestinian state. The West Bank remained a part of Jordan's official maps, and Jordanian passports continued to be issued to residents, indicating a strong link to the territory. In the absence of a Palestinian state, Jordan considered the West Bank to be a "donated" area for Palestinians to claim and develop.

Understanding Jordan's Perspective

For Jordan, the West Bank represents not a relinquished claim but a future-nostalgic territory. The influx of Palestinian refugees over the years has indeed presented challenges to Jordanian governance, leading to a complex relationship with the Palestinian population. While the majority of Palestinians in the West Bank share a common cultural and ethnic heritage, the population's demographic weight and discontent over governance issues are pressing concerns for Jordan. Yet, Jordan has steadfastly maintained that control of the West Bank is a responsibility until a proper Palestinian state is established.

Conclusion

The historical and legal framework surrounding Jordan's control of the West Bank is a nuanced and complex story. It is neither a case of Jordan ceding the territory to the Palestinians nor abandoning it to Israel. Instead, it is a legacy of the Arab-Israeli conflict, where both Jordan and Israel hold competing claims based on historical narrative and international law. The question of the West Bank’s future continues to be a critical issue in regional politics, with Jordan playing a significant yet often underappreciated role.