Israel's Netanyahu finally permits sending more water to Jordan after Biden pressure: reports

The Israeli daily said on Monday the request was made over a month ago but had been sat on by Netanyahu until "recent days" when he finally gave his approval.

The Walla website said US President Joe Biden's administration had suggested the water transfer go ahead.

The water, which will be sent from the Jordan River, had already been given the green light by a joint committee between the two nations when the brakes were applied.

Jordan is currently facing a drought and must also provide water for hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled Syria from 2011.

The terms of the 1994 peace between Amman and Tel-Aviv mean that Israel often send water to Jordan - which is in the top three most water-scarce nations on Earth.

The Israeli paper Yedioth Ahronoth said Jordan would have to pay for any water sent, which is surplus to the deal.

Israel’s Kan state broadcaster said Jordanian sources revealed there would be further petitions for water.

The tit-for-tat diplomatic spat between Amman and Tel-Aviv saw Jordan refuse permission for Netanyahu to use its airspace to travel to the UAE.

This forced Netanyahu to cancel his visit.

Jordan did this after a dispute surrounding security arrangements on a proposed visit by Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein to Jerusalem.

The kingdom is also frustrated with Israel's refusal to ship it coronavirus vaccines as part of a now-paused export scheme for allies.

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