Jordan marks 58th anniversary of Battle of Karameh

• The Battle of Karameh on March 21, 1968, marked a turning point in Jordanian military history, showcasing resilience against ‘Israeli’ aggression.
• The engagement reinforced national pride, military strategy, and the role of Jordanian forces in protecting Arab resistance fighters.

On the 58th anniversary of the Battle of Karameh, Jordan renews its commitment to sacrifice, perseverance, and steadfastness—qualities that overcame every challenge, reshaping reality.

The memory of Karameh remains immortal in Jordanian hearts. The spirit of its heroes transforms adversity into resilience, driven by faith in God and their mission.

The Battle of Karameh remains a central chapter in Jordan’s military history and national narrative, celebrated with pride and reverence.

The late King Hussein, the architect of this victory, continues to inspire the nation.

Dawn of March 21, 1968

At 5:30 AM, the first light of dawn touched the town of Karameh, a small Jordanian town located in the Jordan Valley.

‘Israel’s’ offensive aimed to weaken Jordanian military capabilities and undermine morale after the 1967 war. Yet the Jordanian armed forces remained resolute, reorganizing quickly, assigning priorities, and deploying defensive positions along the eastern bank of the Jordan River.

Though ‘Israel’ claimed its goal was to destroy Arab resistance in Karameh, the true objective was to occupy the Jordanian highlands (Balqa), approach Amman to pressure Jordan into surrender, and expand territorial control.

Strategic aims included controlling eastern Jordan, undermining Arab resistance, and securing ‘Israel’s’ border with greater strategic depth, while exploiting Jordan’s agricultural and water-rich areas for economic advantage.

Battlefield Geography

Karameh holds religious significance as a land of Islamic sacrifice within the Levant, containing mosques and shrines of revered companions of the Prophet Muhammad, such as Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, Sharhabil ibn Hasana, and Muath ibn Jabal.

Strategically, it serves as a gateway to Palestine and a historic theater of decisive Islamic battles, including Hattin and Ain Jalut.

The Jordan Valley, flanked by the eastern and western mountain ranges, is agriculturally fertile and water-rich, with the Jordan River, Lake Tiberias, the Dead Sea, and numerous canals and wells, making it vital to Jordan’s economy and security.

Forces and Approaches

‘Israeli’ forces included a mechanized armored division, air support, parachute battalions, artillery units, and helicopter transport capable of moving entire battalions.

Jordanian forces, led by the First Infantry Division, defended the central and southern sectors, supported by armored and artillery units positioned from north of Wadi Zarqa to Aqaba.

The ‘Israeli’ attack followed three primary routes and a fourth deceptive approach to disperse Jordanian defenses:

Al-Arida approach: Prince Muhammad Bridge to the Al-Arida main road to Salt.

Wadi Shuaib approach: King Hussein Bridge to Shuna, main road along Wadi Shuaib to Salt.

Suwaymeh approach: Prince Abdullah Bridge to Ghor al-Rama, Naour, then Amman.

Ghor al-Safi axis: south of the Dead Sea to Ghor al-Safi and Ghor al-Mazra’a to the main road toward the governorate of Karak.

‘Israeli’ forces combined mechanized infantry, tanks, artillery, and heavy air support on each axis.

Jordanian artillery, armor, and snipers prevented reinforcements from crossing bridges, denying the attackers the element of surprise and blunting the offensive.

Battle and Outcome

Jordanian forces engaged immediately, using the first strike to disrupt ‘Israeli’ momentum.

Artillery and armored units successfully restricted enemy movement, forcing ‘Israel’ to abandon bridge crossings and impeding further reinforcements.

By 11:30 AM, ‘Israel’ requested a ceasefire. King Hussein refused until all ‘Israeli’ troops withdrew.

An attempted ‘Israeli’ landing in Karameh town, aimed at relieving pressure and destroying the town, met fierce resistance.

The airdrop operation itself remained limited in scope. A group of Palestinian resistance fighters (fedayeen) had been operating in the area as a launch point at the timeز

The fighting escalated to close-quarters combat, including the use of knives in face-to-face combat with ‘Israeli’ forces.

Jordanian defenses, combined with artillery support, effectively contained the attackers.

‘Israel’s’ objectives were wholly unmet, and withdrew in defeat.

In a historic speech the following day, the late King Hussein bin Talal said:

“If I were to point to one lesson from this battle, my brothers, it is that arrogance and pride lead to defeat, while faith in God and determination to stand firm, whatever the sacrifice, are the primary path to victory.

“Relying on ourselves, clarity of purpose, and the nobility of our goal gave us peace when we resolved to remain steadfast until death, determined, unshaken, and unyielding regardless of the challenges and hardships.”

‘Israeli’ plans, later revealed through papers left behind by ‘Israeli’ commanders on the battlefield, included occupying the eastern highlands and inviting journalists to have lunch in Amman.

The Battle of Karameh remains a historic demonstration of Jordanian military prowess, strategic foresight, and unyielding national will, with lessons in courage, preparation, and unity continuing to inspire generations.