Jordan to launch 'first phase' of Dead Sea canal

The prime minister said Jordan wanted water to supply its northern regions, while Israel also needs water in the south. Officials say the 500,000 Syrian refugees that Jordan is hosting are stretching its meagre water resources. The majority of refugees are living in the north, particularly the Zaatari camp, home to about 130,000 Syrians.

"A cubic meter of desalinated water would cost Israel one dinar ($1.4), while buying water from Tiberias will be cheaper for reasons related to transportation, costing us one-third of a dinar per cubic metre. It's a good deal," he added. The water ministry says Jordan, where 92 percent of the land is desert, will need 1.6 billion cubic metres of water a year to meet its requirements by 2015, while the population of 6.8 million is growing by almost 3.5 percent a year.