Thousands of Jordanian citizens have flooded into the streets of Amman to protest the country's recently finalized natural gas deal with Israel. On Sept. 30, more than 4,000 people held a demonstration in the capital after Friday prayers concluded; it is unclear whether the protests spread to other Jordanian towns as well. The incident came after a week of social unrest incited by an array of issues unrelated to the natural gas contract, including the assassination of a Christian writer and popular dissatisfaction with the Jordanian government's performance. For the most part, however, the protests are now under control.

The $10 billion energy agreement with Israel has been in the works for years. But then again, so has the tension between Jordan and Israel. Over half of Jordan's population is of Palestinian origin, and though the two countries signed a peace treaty in 1994, cooperation with Israel continues to be a point of contention for many Jordanians. Latent hostility toward Israel recently surfaced after a Jordanian citizen was killed in Jerusalem on Sept. 16. (The man allegedly tried to stab several Israeli border guards.) In the days following the incident, some Jordanians called for protests, though their calls largely went unanswered. 

Demonstrations against Israel are relatively rare in Jordan because the government tends to tamp them down quickly. Peace with Israel is a critical component of Jordan's foreign policy. After all, it helps Amman remain friendly with Israel's Western allies, the United States and Europe. Moreover, both countries benefit from the occasional partnerships that peace allows for. Though the recent protests could pick back up next Friday, they are more likely to die out as the government keeps a close eye on them. Many citizens also recognize the natural gas deal's benefits for the Jordanian economy. Nevertheless, the possibility of demonstrations erupting in response to similar deals in the future cannot be ruled out, especially since the Islamic Action Front — a party that has traditionally opposed working with Israel — has regained a place in the Jordanian parliament. And because Amman's regional and international partners rely on Jordan's help in security, intelligence and military matters, they will be watching carefully for any additional signs of instability.