A secret meeting between then-Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Jordan's King Hussein in November 1993 has been revealed through newly released documents. The documents were made public on the day of the state memorial ceremony for Peres and the naming of the Jerusalem International Convention Center in his honor. During the clandestine discussion, King Hussein expressed urgency for peace, stating, "Perhaps I have only a year or two left; I will put everything on the line." He emphasized the need for decisive action, telling Peres, "Our generation must make difficult decisions before we disappear, and all of this for our children." King Hussein also noted, "History is like a galloping horse. Either you get on it, or you get off, and the horse will continue galloping without you." Peres, for his part, noted significant public support for peace, observing, "Young people are fed up with wars, poverty and the absence of freedom."
The Secret Rendezvous
Shimon Peres's appearance was reportedly altered to prevent his identification during the secret meeting with King Hussein. The clandestine encounter followed a message received by the Jordanian royal palace on October 26, 1993, indicating King Hussein's desire to meet with Shimon Peres. The secret meeting itself took place approximately one week after this message was delivered.
During their discussion, King Hussein conveyed a sense of urgency, stating, "Perhaps I have only a year or two left; I will put everything on the line." He showed the need for swift action, telling Peres, "Our generation must make difficult decisions before we disappear, and all of this for our children. We must ensure the children's future, so we must not lose momentum." The King also emphasized his unwavering commitment to the peace process, remarking, "My assurance that the partnership between us remains intact in no way expresses complacency; on the contrary, it is a dynamic partnership, open to creative proposals, which, from my experience, I know characterize your approach." Peres, for his part, stressed to King Hussein that he was "working hand in hand with the prime minister" and that they "see eye to eye" on the matter. King Hussein further reflected on the historical moment, noting, "History is like a galloping horse. Either you get on it, or you get off, and the horse will continue galloping without you. We do not have much time, and our 'life expectancy' for making peace is limited."
Laying Groundwork for Peace
The November 1993 meeting between then-Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Jordan's King Hussein represented a key part of preliminary contacts that ultimately led to the peace agreement signed between Israel and Jordan in 1994. Israel and Jordan formally signed their peace treaty in October 1994, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough. During their discussions, King Hussein emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating, "Perhaps I have only a year or two left; I will put everything on the line." He showed the need for swift action, telling Peres, "Our generation must make difficult decisions before we disappear, and all of this for our children. We must ensure the children's future, so we must not lose momentum. There is a contradiction between the little time available to us and the size of the opportunity before us."
King Hussein also reflected on the historical imperative, noting, "History is like a galloping horse. Either you get on it, or you get off, and the horse will continue galloping without you. We do not have much time, and our 'life expectancy' for making peace is limited." Peres, for his part, proposed preparing an unofficial document, referred to as an 'informal non-paper,' to summarize the subjects discussed and the understandings reached during their clandestine encounter. King Hussein further expressed his commitment to the ongoing dialogue, remarking, "My assurance that the partnership between us remains intact in no way expresses complacency; on the contrary, it is a dynamic partnership, open to creative proposals, which, from my experience, I know characterize your approach."
The Jordanian monarch also drew a parallel to his family's history, referring to the 1951 assassination of his grandfather, King Abdullah I. He explained, "I want to make my position clear. In 1951 there was a tragic event, the murder of my father. I want to bequeath to the future, to my brother Hassan and to the entire government, the best possible legacy. Perhaps I have only a year or two left; I will put everything on the line." King Hussein conveyed his aspirations for the region, stating, "We have many dreams and hopes for the future... I share the commitment that there will be change and that the younger generations will have the opportunity to live with a sense of security, which is peace." He concluded by expressing hope for broader regional progress, adding, "When the gaps narrow, the fears will grow, hopes will grow for all the children of Abraham, and the time has come for that to happen."
Legacy and Reflections
The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation revealed documents from this meeting on Tuesday, marking the 10th anniversary of Peres's death. King Hussein and Shimon Peres initialed a memorandum of understanding during the night of their meeting. The Israel-Jordan peace treaty, which followed these preliminary contacts, became a foundation of Israel's regional relations for over three decades.
King Hussein's sense of urgency during the 1993 discussion was profound, as he stated, "Perhaps I have only a year or two left; I will put everything on the line." He conveyed a commitment to the ongoing dialogue, remarking, "My assurance that the partnership between us remains intact in no way expresses complacency; on the contrary, it is a dynamic partnership, open to creative proposals, which, from my experience, I know characterize your approach." The monarch also shared his aspirations for the future, noting, "We have many dreams and hopes for the future... I share the commitment that there will be change and that the younger generations will have the opportunity to live with a sense of security, which is peace."
