Israel agreed to dramatically increase the amount of water it supplies to Jordan in an effort to battle a devastating shortage, as Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi at a crossing point over the Jordan River Thursday.

The meeting marked the first public encounter between top Israeli and Jordanian officials since a new Israeli government was established last month.

Under the deal signed Thursday, Israel will supply Jordan with an additional 50 million cubic meters (65 million cubic yards) of water to Jordan in 2021, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said. Israel already provides water to Jordan annually under an agreement signed in 1994.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said, “The Kingdom of Jordan is a neighbour and important partner of the State of Israel. Israel will continue to hold an ongoing dialogue in order to preserve and strengthen the relationship. We will expand economic cooperation for the benefit of both countries.”

“I wish to thank Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for advancing matters,” Lapid continued. “I want to thank PM Bennett for supporting the endeavour, as well as Minister of the Economy Barbivay and Minister of National Infrastructure Elharrar for moving matters forward with Jordan.”

The two also agreed to raise a cap on Jordanian exports to the West Bank from $160 million to $700 million.

The US welcomed the deal in a statement later Thursday.

“It is these kinds of tangible steps that increase prosperity for all and advance regional stability,” a State Department statement said.

Subscribe to start receiving FREE TORCH magazines from CUFI UK

Related Articles:

‘Please bring her home’ – Father of 9-year-old, Emily, asks London rally for help to rescue his ‘sweet, innocent’ daughter

Thomas Hand, father of Emily, who turned 9 in Hamas captivity last week, was among family members of hostages that addressed the crowd at the 'Never Again is Now' rally in London on...

Why did Pope Francis promote hateful propaganda against Israel?

This week we saw an example of why those who are in authority need to be particularly careful with their words because they have the power to influence many people. Sadly, the Pope has...

‘Christians must not remain silent at this time’ – Des Starritt addresses pro-Israel rally in London

Des Starritt, Executive Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) in the UK, spoke at the Never Again Is Now prayer rally on Sunday 19th November 2023. CUFI was pleased to support...

Thousands rally outside Downing Street for Christian solidarity with the Jewish community

CUFI would like to thank all our supporters who attended the Never Again Is Now prayer rally on Sunday evening in a peaceful stand of solidarity with the Jewish community, and for all...

Comparing Israel to the Nazis is antisemitic

Comparing Israel to the Nazis is antisemitic. It's as simple as that. However, we know the world we live in cannot take a simple truth an all agree to it. In fact, the reason we have to...

We call upon the UK Government to officially recognise Jerusalem is Israel's capital and move its embassy to Jerusalem.