Habis Majali

Habis Majali(Arabic:حابس المجالي;‎ 1914 – April 22, 2001) was aJordaniangeneral. Majali served asChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forcesfrom 1958 to 1975, as minister of defense from 1967 to 1968, and as a member of theJordanian Senatefor 30 years from 1967 to 1997.

Habis Majali
Habis Majali in 1975
Native name	حابس المجالي
Born	1914 Ma'an,Ottoman Empire
Died	April 22, 2001 (aged 86–87) Al Karak,Jordan
Allegiance	Jordan
Years of service	1932–1981
Rank	Field Marshal
Commands	Arab Legion Jordanian Armed Forces
Battles/wars	Second World War First Arab–Israeli War Battle of Latrun Battles for Jerusalem Six Day War Black September Yom Kippur War
Relations	Hazza' Majali(cousin)

He commanded Jordan's forces against Israel during the1948 Arab–Israeli War(also known as the First Arab-Israeli War), theSix Day Warin 1967 and theYom Kippur Warin 1973; and against thePalestine Liberation OrganizationandSyriaduringBlack Septemberin 1970.During the last 20 years of his life, he resigned from the army and served as senator in theJordanian Parliament'supper chamber.

Majali is considered to be Jordan's greatest military commander; he was the onlyArabcommander to inflict military victories against Israelis, Palestinians and Syrians alike.King Hussein's biographer, James Lunt, dubbed Majali thegrand seigneurof Karak, and thebeau sabreurof the army.Majali is one of few Jordanians, along with theKings of Jordan,to hold theField Marshalrank–thehighest rankin the Jordanian army.

Early life and background

Habis Majali was born in 1914 inMa'an,Jordan,into the influential Majali tribe, known for its political and military leadership in southern Jordan. The Majalis were a prominentBedouinfamily in the Karak region, historically associated with Jordanian tribal leadership. From a young age, Habis displayed qualities of leadership that would later become the hallmark of his military career.He joined theArab Legionin 1932, which was then under British command. His Bedouin roots and early experiences in Jordan’s tribal culture profoundly influenced his later military leadership.

Military career

Habis Majali seen with Prime MinisterWasfi Talduring a military parade.

Habis Majali walking alongsideQueen Alia,1960s.

Early career and the Arab Legion

Habis Majali’s military career began with his service in theArab Legion,where he quickly impressedGlubb Pasha,the British officer who led the Legion. Majali was known for blending modern military techniques with Bedouin traditions of bravery.King Hussein's biographer, James Lunt, dubbed Majali thegrand seigneurof Karak andbeau sabreurof the army.HabisPashawas the onlyArabcommander to win military victories againstIsraelis,PalestiniansandSyriansalike.His "baptism of fire", according toThe Guardianobituary, came during the1948 Arab–Israeli War,when he successfully defended the town ofLatrunat the crucialBattle of LatrunnearJerusalemagainst Israeli forces, Israeli forces was one of the few Arab victories in the war, earning him widespread recognition. He also managed to secure theWest Bankunder Glubb Pasha.

Commanding Jordan’s Forces

Majali’s command extended into the 1950s, a period marked by political upheaval in Jordan. He served as Commander of theRoyal Guardin 1951 whenKing Abdullah Iwas assassinated atAl-Aqsa Mosque.Abdullah insisted on speaking to the crowds on his way to the mosque, but Majali thought it was too dangerous and ordered soldiers to surround the King–angering him. The King moved ahead of his guards, and was shot dead by a Palestinian. This event highlights his protective instincts toward the monarchy.Majali claimed that he had caughtAriel Sharonin the battle, who was then a young Lieutenant. Sharon, who would later become Israeli prime minister, denied the claim. However, Habis boasted: "Sharon is like a grizzly bear, I captured him for 9 days, I healed his wounds and released him due to his insignificance." Few fellow high-ranking Jordanian officers testified in favor of his account.Throughout the decade, Majali remained a critical figure, tasked byKing Husseinto root outNasseriteinsurgents and maintain internal stability. Majali was tasked in 1960 with restoring order after Syrian agents had murdered his cousin Prime MinisterHazza' Majali.

Six-Day War and Black September

In 1967, Majali led Jordanian forces during theSix-Day WaragainstIsrael.The war resulted in the loss of theWest Bank,but Majali’s leadership was seen as steadfast, although he resigned shortly after the defeat. He briefly served asminister of defensebefore returning to military leadership duringBlack Septemberin 1970,where he oversaw the expulsion of Palestinianfedayeenforces from Jordan. His efforts helped preserve theHashemitemonarchy during this volatile period.

Jordan lost the West Bank to Israel during the 1967Six Day War.Majali was forced during the war to relinquish Jordan's army command to Egypt. He then resigned, but served as defense minister until 1968.

Yom Kippur War and Retirement

Though Jordan did not engage directly on the frontlines during theYom Kippur Warof 1973, Majali’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining border security. Military historians, such asTrevor N. Dupuy,praised the Jordanian Army's tactical proficiency during the conflict, noting that it outperformed other Arab forces, specifically those of Syria and Iraq.Majali retired from active military service in 1975 after 17 years as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaving a legacy of military professionalism and dedication.

Political career

Senator and advisor

After retiring from the military, Majali transitioned into a political role, serving as asenatorin Jordan'supper chamberof Parliament for 30 years. During this time, he remained a close advisor to bothKing Husseinand laterKing Abdullah II,contributing to the nation's military and political strategies. Majali’s experience and wisdom continued to shape Jordan’s defense policies long after his active service ended.

Personal life and legacy

Majali was deeply rooted in Jordan’s Bedouin culture, which informed his leadership style and earned him respect both as a military leader and as a defender of theHashemite monarchy.His family played significant roles in Jordanian politics, including his cousinHazza' Majali,who served asprime ministerbefore his assassination in 1960. Known as the "Grand Seigneur of Karak," Majali's contributions to Jordanian military and political life are remembered with reverence. His military legacy is highlighted by his tactical victories and his defense of Jordan's territorial integrity.

Honour

Honors and recognitions

Majali was one of the few Jordanians to achieve the rank of field marshal, the highest military rank in Jordan. He was honored with several awards throughout his career, including the titles of:

• Malaysia: Honorary Commander of theOrder of the Defender of the Realm(1965)

His enduring legacy is celebrated both within Jordan and internationally as a symbol of national strength and leadership.