US, Jordan in Secret Talks over Extradition of Female Citizen Wanted by Israel, Report
Amman (Quds News Network)- The United States has entered quiet negotiations with Jordan to extradite Ahlam Tamimi, a Jordanian citizen wanted by Israel for aiding resistance fighters, reported the Middle East Eye.
An Israeli court sentenced Tamimi to 16 life terms over allegedly aiding a resistance fighter in 2001, who carried out an operation at an Israeli restaurant, killing 20 colonial settlers. But in 2011, she was freed in a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas and settled in Jordan.
The talks, confirmed by sources familiar with the matter, come at a tense moment for Jordan. The country is facing growing anger over Israel’s genocide in Gaza. It has also cracked down on the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as pro-resistance and pro-Palestine activities across the country.
US officials see Tamimi’s extradition as part of a broader deal. In return, Jordan hopes to secure renewed economic aid from Washington. That aid has decreased after the closure of several USAID programs.
A senior Western source told Middle East Eye that “Jordan is trying to show the Trump administration it is still relevant to its worldview.” The source added that the old argument that aid was needed to stabilize Jordan no longer carries weight in Washington.
As part of this shift, Jordan has increased its role in military operations against ISIS in Syria. This follows the US troop withdrawal from northeast Syria.
Tamimi’s case remains highly sensitive for the Jordanian monarchy. She is a popular figure among segments of the population and has made regular media appearances. In February, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that Jordan asked Hamas to find a new country for Tamimi or face the possibility of extradition.
The latest talks over her fate have not been previously reported. One source said the US sees an opportunity due to Jordan’s recent ban on the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Islamic Action Front (IAF), the Brotherhood’s political wing in Jordan, has long maintained ties with the monarchy. But the relationship is changing fast. Security forces recently raided IAF offices, and observers say the party’s license could be revoked soon.
Jordanian authorities have accused the Brotherhood of planning attacks. They arrested 16 people said to be stockpiling weapons to send them to the resistance in the West Bank.
Tamimi’s status has strained US-Jordan ties before. During Donald Trump’s first term, the White House pushed Jordan to extradite her. Two American settlers were killed in the resistance operation, and Tamimi remains on the FBI’s most wanted list.
In 2020, The Associated Press reported that the Trump administration considered cutting military aid to force Jordan’s hand. At the time, King Abdullah managed to resist the pressure.
The Jordanian embassy in Washington did not respond to questions about the current negotiations.
King Abdullah met with Trump in February. Sources say the meeting went well. Afterwards, Egypt credited Abdullah with persuading Trump to drop a plan for the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Despite this, US aid to Jordan has fallen. In 2023, Jordan received $1.7 billion in American assistance. Only $425 million was military aid, and about $770 million came as direct cash transfers.
The closure of USAID programs could cost Jordan around $300 million in future disbursements, according to a March report by S&P Global.
To cover the gap, Jordan has turned to Gulf allies. But Saudi Arabia has been cautious. The UAE, by contrast, is investing heavily in Jordan. In 2024, it signed a $2.4 billion deal to build a railroad from Aqaba to the Dead Sea.
The UAE sees the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat and has worked to weaken it across the region. This stance aligns with Jordan’s recent moves—and may further shape the outcome of Tamimi’s case.
