Imad al-Adwan: The MP Who Armed Palestine, Jailed by Jordan to Appease ‘Israel’

“Champion of Palestine, bold opponent, defiant lawmaker”—these are the words used to describe former Jordanian MP Imad al-Adwan, sentenced to 10 years in prison after “Israel” accused him of smuggling weapons to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

On November 20, 2024, Jordan's State Security Court convicted al-Adwan of “exporting weapons for illegal purposes,” sentencing him to 10 years of hard labor.

A Political Deal?

The story began on April 22, 2023, when Israeli authorities stopped al-Adwan’s vehicle at the King Hussein Bridge for inspection. They claimed to have discovered approximately 200 firearms, including pistols and rifles, which he allegedly intended to smuggle into the West Bank.

On May 7, 2023, Jordanian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Safadi announced the lifting of al-Adwan’s parliamentary immunity, following a government recommendation. This came shortly after “Israel” released al-Adwan, reportedly under pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Secret negotiations were underway between “Israel” and Jordan over al-Adwan’s case, Israel Hayom reported on April 27, 2023. 

A delay in resolving the issue could escalate tensions within Jordan, the newspaper warned.

On the same day, Saudi Arabia’s Okaz newspaper revealed that an unnamed Arab country had mediated with “Israel” for al-Adwan’s release. The report claimed the lawmaker had been detained with nearly 200 firearms and 100 kilograms of gold, and that negotiations—conducted directly by Jordan or through Arab and international intermediaries—were likely to lead to a deal for his release.

Unnamed sources suggested “Israel” might have used the case to pressure Jordan on unrelated issues.

On April 26, 2023, then-Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Yedioth Ahronoth, “This is a serious incident, and he must face justice and pay for his grave actions.”

“I don’t want to blame the entire Jordanian government for this."

Investigations revealed that al-Adwan had carried out 12 smuggling operations into Palestinian territories, “exploiting his diplomatic passport since February 2022, according to i24 News on November 20, 2024.

After months in “Israel” Ofer Prison, al-Adwan was handed over to Jordanian authorities for further investigation and legal action, reportedly following pressure from the Jordanian government and royal court.

Commenting on the release decision at the time, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it “a strategic and moral mistake.”

A Vocal Advocate for Palestine

Despite not being affiliated with the ideology of Hamas, Jordanian MP Imad al-Adwan consistently praised the Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation.

Al-Adwan openly supported Palestinian resistance movements, urging Jordan to sever its ties with “Israel.” On November 21, 2024, Jordanian activists revived a powerful video of al-Adwan in parliament, fiercely criticizing former Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh for his government's weak stance on the Palestinian cause.

“What have you contributed to the Palestinian cause? They don’t need medical aid. Is it the peace treaty of 1994 that the Zionist entity doesn’t even respect?” he said addressing al-Khasawneh.

“Salutations and honor to the resistance movements, to Hamas, and to the Arab symbol Abu Obaida [the spokesperson for al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing].”

Al-Adwan emphasized the need to expel Jordan’s ambassador to “Israel,” stating, “While children in Gaza are bleeding, he sits at the dining table with the Zionist entity.” 

“We have two choices: expel both the Jordanian and Israeli ambassadors, or I will lead a no-confidence motion against this government. Long live a free Palestine, unyielding to occupation [‘Israel’],” he warned the government.

A Defiant Voice in Parliament

Al-Adwan’s name gained prominence in 2022 when he participated in a session calling for a no-confidence vote against al-Khasawneh’s government. He also rejected the general budget bill and frequently opposed government policies.

On August 4, 2021, al-Adwan made headlines when he refused to vacate the parliamentary seat reserved for then-Prime Minister al-Khasawneh. Taking the seat ahead of the Prime Minister, he refused to leave, protesting what he described as the government’s “policy of raising prices.”

Addressing the Prime Minister in a loud voice, he declared, “This is the people’s council, and I will not let you sit here.” 

“The people are the source of authority, and we are their representatives. Your unjust decisions against the Jordanian people will not go unnoticed.”

The incident forced then-Parliament Speaker Abdul Moneim al-Awdat to suspend and postpone the session. However, other MPs eventually persuaded al-Adwan to vacate the Prime Minister’s seat, after which he left the parliamentary chamber.

A Courageous MP

Imad al-Adwan, a Jordanian lawyer and politician, is a former member of the Jordanian Parliament. He holds a bachelor's degree in law and a master's in international law.

Al-Adwan joined the 19th Jordanian Parliament on November 10, 2020, after winning the parliamentary elections. His tenure ended in 2023 when his immunity was lifted following his arrest by Israeli authorities.

Representing Balqa Governorate, located in west-central Jordan near the occupied Palestinian territories, al-Adwan was an active member of the Palestine Committee in the Jordanian Parliament, the Agriculture and Water Committee, Badia Committee, and the Jordanian Parliamentary Brotherhood Committee with the Arab Gulf States and Yemen

Al-Adwan belongs to the prominent Adwan tribe, which has played a significant role in Jordan's history. Members of the tribe have been known for supporting Palestinian resistance fighters by offering shelter, supplies, and arms. Many from the tribe sacrificed their lives in confrontations with the Israeli Occupation forces.

Known as al-Quds Tribe due to their proximity to the Palestinian territories, the Adwan tribe issued a statement in April 2023, urging parliamentary and public action to secure the release of Imad al-Adwan from Israeli detention.

Jordanian bloggers rallied behind the former MP, portraying the weapon-smuggling accusations as a badge of honor and a symbol of defiance in support of the Palestinian resistance.

“The 10-year prison sentence handed to the Jordanian MP for allegedly smuggling weapons to the Palestinian resistance reflects a painful reality,” Jordanian activist Ali MsllM posted on X.

“Hold your head high, Imad; you are a source of pride for all Jordanians. This exposes the true nature of a system that opposes resistance and the Palestinian cause—a system built to serve the Zionists and undermine the Jordanian people's will,” he added.

“Where were we, and where are we now? Supporting Gaza is considered terrorism, while supporting Israel earns legitimacy and accolades!” wrote Khaled al-Jabour, another Jordanian activist.  

“The most honorable accusation is standing with justice and the oppressed.”

“While regimes capitulate, there remain groups and individuals steadfast in upholding the right to resistance, defending Arab lands, and advocating for the liberation of Palestine. Among these resilient figures is MP Imad al-Adwan,” said Egyptian writer Gamaal el-Gamal.

In an article published on May 17, 2023, el-Gamal praised al-Adwan’s statements, past stances, and dedication as a member of the Palestine Committee in parliament. He also commended al-Adwan's “strong ties with esteemed figures within Palestine and his recognition of the resilience of the resistance in confronting repeated Israeli aggression on Gaza and the West Bank.”