The Jordan Valley is a rift valley located along the Jordan River and along Jordan’s border with Israel in the west. This depression drops more than 1,400 feet below sea level at the Dead Sea which is the lowest natural point on the Earth. The name, Jordan Valley, is often applied to the lower course of the Jordan River where it flows into the Dead Sea.
The Jordan River is the longest in the Land at156 miles long, beginning at an altitude of about 9000 feet, The name 'Jordan' can be translated as descending which is appropriate as it is well below sea level, from 690 feet to its lowest point of 1,300 feet at the Dead Sea.
The total length of the Valley is 96 miles. With a width which varies from 2.5 to 6 miles, it is very narrow and forms a natural border of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is also the longest natural border of Israel.
There are many Biblical references to the Jordan Valley, one of the most famous is the crossing of the river by the children of Israel under leadership of Joshua, son of Nun. From 1994, Palestinian Autonomy Authorities have control of some of the Jordan Valley territories, while Israel allocated 86% of the territories to Israeli settlements. The current government of Israel (2020) plans to annex the Jordan Valley completely.