Jordanians display mixed feelings towards Hezbollah but generally unite in opposing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. The recent death of Hezbollah’s leader and ongoing Israeli aggression have led to heightened emotions, with anticipated protests focusing on solidarity with Lebanon rather than explicit support for Hezbollah. Jordan’s Foreign Minister has condemned Israel’s actions while balancing diplomatic relations, amidst rising public discontent.
Jordanians exhibit divisions in their views of Hezbollah while expressing solidarity with the Lebanese population in the face of ongoing Israeli aggression. Over the past weekend, the atmosphere in downtown Amman, particularly outside the al-Husseini Mosque, was noticeably tranquil, contrasting with the typical fervor seen during pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the onset of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Ahmed, a local shopkeeper, attributed the calm to widespread shock and despair stemming from Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the passing of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. However, he anticipates that sentiments of anger and frustration will lead to increased protests following Friday prayers. The recent televised address by Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s deputy chief, has reinvigorated spirits among some Jordanian supporters who view the group as a continuing combatant. Ahmed reminisced about the widespread support Hezbollah received among Jordanians during the 2006 July War, noting that while support has waned due to Hezbollah’s alignment with the Syrian regime during the civil war, followers continue to rally against Israeli actions. Hussein Amer, a Jordanian-Palestinian hospitality worker, expressed that upcoming protests would focus on Israel’s ongoing actions rather than outright support for Hezbollah. He remarked that the events in Lebanon represent a significant change that has rekindled protest sentiments in the capital. Similarly, Mohammed Telwiy, an 18-year-old student of Palestinian descent, stated his support in standing with both Hezbollah and the Lebanese populace. He articulated a collective anger regarding the escalating conflict, highlighting the tragic losses of innocent lives. Omer Yaseen, a 20-year-old optician, acknowledged the variety of opinions on Hezbollah in Jordan but emphasized a shared condemnation of Israel’s aggressions across the region. On the political front, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has actively condemned Israel’s military actions against Lebanon, cautioning against the potential for expanding conflict. While he affirmed that Jordan holds Israel fully accountable for the repercussions of its aggressive strategies, the government has largely refrained from public commentary on Israel’s continued assaults in Lebanon, illustrating the delicate balance Jordan seeks to maintain in its relations with Israel amid its domestic political landscape. The Jordanian Armed Forces also reported an incoming rocket from southern Lebanon that landed harmlessly in an uninhabited area, reinforcing the country’s defensive posture. In summary, while the Jordanian populace remains divided in their perspectives on Hezbollah, there exists a unified sentiment condemning Israeli aggressions against Lebanon and other Arab nations. This complex dynamic underscores the ongoing impact of regional conflicts on domestic sentiments and political stances. Protests are expected to escalate in size and intensity as Jordanians rally for solidarity with Lebanon and against Israeli military actions.
The relationship between Jordanian citizens and Hezbollah has been complex, deeply influenced by regional conflicts and historical grievances. While support for the Lebanese militant group has fluctuated over the years, recent Israeli aggressions against Lebanon have sparked renewed emotions among the Jordanian populace. The impact of Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war and the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict compound the multifaceted views that Jordanians hold about the group. As Israel intensifies its military operations in the region, particularly against Palestinian civilians and Lebanon, there appears to be a collective response against these actions from Jordanians despite varying personal views on Hezbollah.
The current situation in Jordan reflects a duality of sentiments wherein individuals are conflicted over their support for Hezbollah yet united in their condemnation of Israeli military actions. This underscores a broader Arab sentiment reacting against perceived aggressions that threaten regional stability. As protests are anticipated to grow in response to these developments, the situation remains fluid, highlighting the intricate interplay of public opinion, regional conflicts, and political positions within Jordan. Jordanians are poised to demonstrate solidarity with their Lebanese neighbors while grappling with their opinions on a politically complex organization.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
