Jordan's King heads to White House today - Here's how much aid he could lose

Jordan's King Abdullah II is set to meet with US President Donald Trump today amid escalating tensions over the administration's "Riviera Plan" for Gaza refugees. The high-stakes meeting comes as Trump has threatened to withdraw America's annual $1.5 billion aid package to the Hashemite Kingdom if it continues opposing the plan.

The friction stems from Trump's recent statements about transferring Gaza residents, with Jordan being named as one of the primary potential host countries. Despite Jordan's firm rejection, Trump has repeatedly insisted that both Jordan and Egypt will eventually agree to accept Palestinian refugees.

When asked about potentially cutting aid to Arab states, Trump responded simply: "Yes, it's possible, why not?"

The stakes are particularly high for Jordan, which already faces significant demographic challenges with Palestinians making up over 50% of its 11 million population. "King Abdullah cannot join this," said Paul Salem, vice president for international engagement at the Middle East Institute in Washington, telling the New York Times, "He cannot survive the idea that he is cooperating in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians."

Unlike its oil-rich neighbors, Jordan heavily depends on US assistance. The King, who traditionally maintains close ties with Washington and is usually the first Arab leader to meet new US presidents, is expected to use today's meeting to also voice opposition to Israeli annexation plans.

Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.