ISRAEL ENVISIONS FALL OF HASHEMITE KINGDOMJERUSALEM [MENL] -- Israel's intelligence community has determined a decline in stability in both Egypt and Jordan.
Officials said military intelligence has envisioned a long-term Islamic threat against Egypt and Jordan that would affect the military balance with Israel. They said the Islamic opposition would hamper Hashemite rule in Jordan as well as efforts by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to transfer power to his son, Gamal.
Over the last day, two senior military commanders discussed these assessment in public forums. In statements that provoked diplomatic protests, the commanders reported instability in Egypt and Jordan.
Egypt and Jordan, who maintain peace agreements with Israel, have been regarded as among the most powerful states in the Middle East. Egypt and Jordan operate air forces based on U.S. platforms.
"I don't want to be a prophet," Maj. Gen. Yair Naveh, head of Israel military's Central Command said. "But I don't think there will be another king after Abdullah."