Why Did Israel Give the West Bank Back to Jordan and Not Keep Gaza?

The complex and often-contentious history between Israel and various Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt, has seen numerous territorial disputes. One significant question that often arises in this context is: why did Israel offer the West Bank to Jordan in the aftermath of the Six Day War, yet did not offer Gaza to Egypt in the same period? This article aims to clarify the historical context and the motivations behind these decisions.

Historical Background

The Six Day War in 1967 is a pivotal point in Middle Eastern history. Prior to this conflict, the West Bank was under Jordanian rule, and Gaza was under Egyptian control. However, in a swift and decisive victory, Israel captured both territories and controlled them for the first time.

West Bank and Jordan

During the Six Day War, Jordan issued a statement saying that it would take back the parts of the West Bank under its rule. Following this, Israel considered the possibility of offering the West Bank to Jordan, partly in the hope of securing a peace agreement and stability in the region. However, Jordan ultimately rejected this offer. The reasons behind Jordan's decision are multifaceted and likely include concerns about the implications of taking back the West Bank, which was still heavily populated by Palestinian residents and had a history of unrest.

Gaza and Egypt

Conversely, Israel's first attempts to return Gaza to Egypt were met with a similar response. Egypt rejected the idea, likely due to the internal challenges they were facing and their own territorial concerns. In response to this, Israel proceeded to build a security barrier known as the Gaza barrier, which clearly signaled to the Palestinian residents that Egypt was not willing to assume control over the area once again.

Legality and Revisionist Claims

Some revisionsists claim that the West Bank officially belonged to Jordan before the Six Day War. This claim is largely based on the fact that the term 'West Bank' was commonly used by Jordan. However, from a legal standpoint, when Britain drew the boundaries in the 1947 UN Partition Plan, the West Bank was given to the Jewish state. Furthermore, during the Six Day War, Jordan did not formally annex the area but rather fought against Israel, resulting in Israel's capture of the area.

Legal Ownership and International Recognition

Legally, the West Bank has never been an integral part of Jordan, despite the use of the term 'West Bank' by Jordan. After the Six Day War, Israel has maintained control over the area, maintaining various forms of administration and governance. Similarly, the Gaza Strip has always remained under Israeli control, even though it was briefly under Egyptian control in the past.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision by Israel to offer the West Bank to Jordan and not to keep Gaza stemmed from a combination of strategic, political, and practical considerations. It is important to understand the historical context and the complex legal and political landscape in order to comprehend these decisions fully.