Israel and Jordan resume binational industrial park project

The Israeli government announced Sunday that it will resume and accelerate the construction of an industrial zone that it will share with Jordan, with the aim of facilitating the passage of businessmen from both countries and boosting trade, technology and local industry.

The Jordan Gateway Industrial Park project - located on the Jordanian-Israeli border - was initially proposed in 1994 as part of the peace agreement between the two countries. It was approved in 1998 and construction began two years later, mostly on the Jordanian side.

Progress on the Israeli side of the border was slower and slower, and the decision announced today will speed it to completion.

"The industrial park will become one of the largest joint initiatives in history between Israel and one of its neighbours," said Israel's acting prime minister, Yair Lapid, on Twitter.

According to Lapid, the project will generate "more jobs, stronger economies, prosperity and lasting peace" with the Arab country.

For the first time since becoming prime minister last month, Lapid met with King Abdullah II in Amman on Wednesday and, among other issues, finalised details for reviving the construction of the binational industrial park.

The main achievement of the project so far has been the construction of a massive bridge over the Jordan River connecting the two countries and both sides of the industrial park.

Today's announcement highlights the construction of a terminal on the Israeli side that will facilitate the movement of people.

According to a statement from Lapid's office, the terminal will have "facilities to accommodate businessmen and guests arriving from the Jordanian side for business purposes".

The announcement of the revival of the industrial park project comes two weeks after Israel announced that the King Hussein border crossing - also known as the Allenby Bridge, which allows Palestinians from the West Bank to cross into Jordan - will no longer operate on a limited schedule and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This decision was reached after mediation between the US and Morocco and announced during US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel.