Israeli envoy to Jordan 'warns of growing instability'

IDF chief said to be troubled about neighboring state after hearing assessment by Ambassador Einat Shlein; Jordanian sources say no need for concern

Israel’s Ambassador to Jordan Einat Shlein recently warned that the Hashemite kingdom faces growing instability amid economic woes and an influx of Syrian refugees, according to a report in the Haaretz newspaper.

Shlein reportedly gave a pessimistic assessment on the firmness of the regime in a meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot in October.

Eisenkot was said to have been troubled by the assessment. An unnamed top Israeli official told the paper the chief of staff has since said the Jewish state should assist its neighbor.

It was not clear what manner of assistance he had in mind.

Einat Shlein, Israel's new ambassador to Jordan, is welcomed by King Abdullah in Amman, September 7, 2015 (Courtesy) — Einat Shlein, Israel’s new ambassador to Jordan, is welcomed by King Abdullah in Amman, September 7, 2015 (Courtesy)

Jordan said it was surprised by Shlein’s comments. Official sources, while acknowledging “difficulties” over refugees and the econonmy, told Haaretz that the stability of the government was not currently a matter of concern.

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot attends the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, on February 22, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90 )

Though rarely acknowledged, Israel and Jordan are said to share close military ties. Jordanian and Israeli fighter pilots have reportedly trained together. Last year reports said King Abdullah II told American lawmakers the country’s forces had together confronted Russian warplanes over southern Syria.

Analysts have warned that Jordan’s economic troubles leave it susceptible to public unrest as well as rising popularity of extremist ideologies.