The lesser evil

A group of deputies filed a motion to the Lower House of Parliament last week calling on the government to recall Jordanian Ambassador Waleed Obeidat from Israel in protest over recent waves of hostile and illegal Israeli actions on Jerusalem and Israel's endless  settlement  activities  in the West Bank. 

The sponsors of this motion numbered 50 MPs representing various political currents in Parliament. That was not the first time  nor would it be the last for MPs  to call for the recall of the Jordanian ambassador in Tel Aviv to protest Israeli provocations and unlawful measures against Jerusalem and the Palestinian territory in the West Bank  by reauthorising  the construction of more housing units on Palestinian soil. 

It is, of course, understandable that MPs would be upset with Israeli actions and policies, which are many, but recalling the Jordanian ambassador from Israel is not exactly the best way to deal with the ensuing issues and challenges. 

Keeping diplomatic channels open with Israel may look disturbing and anathema to the populist opinion in the country, but when all is said and considered, keeping channels of communication with Israel open whenever there is a crisis over its policies is the lesser evil. 

Exchanging diplomatic relations with Israel after all is not an expression of love and affection but rather a determination to apply pressure on Israel by all available means including diplomatic relations to change course. 

Jordan is not always successful in its diplomatic contacts with Israel over conflicts between the two countries but keeping the door wide open for pursuing certain countermeasures to Israeli acts of aggression and intimidation appears on balance as the best course of action. 

It is when there are pressing bilateral issues between Jordan and Israel when diplomatic contacts are most needed.  MPs would be better advised to debate conflicts between Jordan and Israel and offer constructive and meaningful courses of action other than breaking diplomatic relations.