The Power of “Anti-Normalization” Demonstrated with Expulsion of Jordanian MP

In the Arab world, “anti-normalization” means opposition to virtually any effort that allows or leads to “normal” relations with Israel or Israelis. Trade unions, academic institutions and organizations embrace anti-normalization as an obligation not to be defied. On Monday, a member of the Jordanian parliament was expelled from his political faction because he was accused of visiting Israel on its Independence Day and shaking the hand of President Shimon Peres. As reported in the Jordanian press, Muhammad Esa Al-Doima, a member of an Islamic party, denied the allegation, saying instead that he was in Israel to work with Palestinian officials who were petitioning the High Court to allow greater access by Palestinians to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. He apparently did not address the charge about shaking Peres’s hand at the reception Al-Doima was apparently invited to by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.