A few years ago, it had become commonplace to describe Israel’s relationship with Jordan as a “cold peace.” Today, that description is no longer adequate. In an era defined by Iranian aggression, regional instability, and climate insecurity, the relationship has become one of Israel’s most important strategic assets.

The direct confrontation with Iran demonstrated what security professionals have understood for years: Israel and Jordan share vital security interests. Quiet military coordination, intelligence sharing, and Jordan’s role in protecting its airspace against Iranian missiles and drones have underscored that the stability of the Hashemite Kingdom is inseparable from Israel’s own security. While much of this cooperation necessarily remains out of public view, its contribution to Israel’s national defense has been unmistakable. The next Israeli government, to be elected later this year, must therefore treat repairing and strengthening relations with Jordan not as a diplomatic luxury but as a national security imperative.

Importantly, the Israeli public already understands this. According to the 2026 Israeli Foreign Policy Index conducted by the Mitvim Institute in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Rafi Smith Institute, Israelis rated the importance of restoring and strengthening relations with Jordan at an average of 7.42 out of 10. Fifty-eight percent described the task as “important,” while an additional 24 percent considered it “quite important.” In other words, more than four out of five Israelis recognize that rebuilding ties with Jordan should be a national priority.

Fortunately, the foundations already exist. Rather than beginning from scratch, a new Israeli government can build on a series of ambitious regional........

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