Jordan revives national military service amid regional tensions
Crown Prince Hussein highlights programme’s role in unity, defense, and identity building
AMMAN, Jordan (MNTV) — Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah announced the reactivation of Jordan’s national military service, underscoring the programme’s importance in preparing citizens to defend their country and strengthening young people’s connection to their homeland.
Speaking to youth in Irbid governorate, the Crown Prince said that Jordanians who had previously completed compulsory service recognized the value of the experience.
He stressed that the initiative would foster discipline, national identity, and unity at a time of heightened regional challenges.
Prince Hussein revealed that he had instructed the government to coordinate with relevant institutions to develop the new framework for military service.
A joint press conference by the government and the armed forces is expected in the coming days to announce further details.
Jordan abolished conscription in 1991, ending the requirement for men aged 18 to 40 to serve two years in the military.
Since then, the country has relied on voluntary recruitment and international defense partnerships, particularly its long-standing cooperation with the United States, which provides aid and maintains a military presence under a defense pact.
The revival of military service comes as Jordan projects a firmer stance towards Israel in response to the war in Gaza.
While the kingdom suspended cooperation on development and infrastructure projects with Israel, it continues to import water and gas under existing agreements.
Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994 after Egypt did so in 1979, has reiterated its firm support for a two-state solution.
It has rejected attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, and this month condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks endorsing the concept of a “Greater Israel” that includes parts of neighboring Arab states.
The reintroduction of military service is being framed by Amman as both a strategic and symbolic measure—aimed at bolstering national resilience, reinforcing civic responsibility, and demonstrating Jordan’s readiness in an increasingly volatile regional environment.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
