Jordan and the West Bank: 1967 War Outcome

Clarifying the History

Jordan did not lose "its" West Bank in 1967—because it was never internationally recognized as Jordan's sovereign territory.

Timeline

1. 1948: Jordan (then Transjordan) occupies West Bank and East Jerusalem during Arab-Israeli War.
2. 1950: Jordan annexes West Bank—recognized only by UK, Pakistan, and Iraq.
3. 1967: Israel captures West Bank in Six-Day War; Jordan loses control.
4. 1988: Jordan renounces all claims to West Bank in favor of PLO.
5. 1994: Israel-Jordan peace treaty—Jordan acknowledges Israeli administrative role; no sovereignty claim.

Current Status

• Palestinian Authority administers Areas A/B (Oslo Accords).
• Israel controls Area C (60%), security overall, settlements.
• International law: West Bank is occupied Palestinian territory; Jordan has no sovereignty.

Key Distinction

Jordan lost control in 1967, but not recognized sovereignty. The territory's legal status remains disputed, with Palestinians as the recognized national claimants.