Why in the News?
Extremist groups held drone strikes on Israeli territory in the Jordan Valley (which forms Jordan’s border with Israel and the West Bank).
About Jordan Valley:
| Details | |
| Geography | • Part of the Great Rift Valley, extending from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. • Forms a natural border between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. • Low-lying, with parts below sea level, especially near the Dead Sea. |
| Climate | • Semi-arid to arid, with hot summers and mild winters. • Limited rainfall, necessitating irrigation for agriculture. |
| Significance | • An essential agricultural region, growing citrus, dates, and vegetables. • The Jordan River is a vital water source for agriculture and drinking water. • Ecological corridor for migratory birds. |
| History | • Rich in biblical and historical significance, including Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. • Archaeological sites from ancient civilizations like the Canaanites and Romans. |
| Geopolitical Aspects | • Critical in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with strategic importance for security and border control. • Vital for Palestinian economic development and a future state. • Shared water resources create tensions between Israel, Jordan, and Syria. |
| Economic Activities | • Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. • Tourism is also significant due to religious and historical sites. |
| Environmental Concerns | • Water scarcity and the shrinking Dead Sea due to river diversion are major issues. • Pollution and overuse of the Jordan River affect water quality and ecosystem health. |
PYQ:[2015] Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (a) Syria (b) Jordan (c) Lebanon (d) Israel |
