Pronunciation: [nˈahɐɹˌe͡ɪɪm] (IPA) 
"Naharayim" is a Hebrew word, meaning "two rivers". It is spelled "נַהֲרַיִם" in Hebrew, with the letters "nun", "he", "resh", "ayin", "yod", "mem" representing the sounds /n/, /h/, /r/, /a/, /j/ (like the English "y"), and /m/. In IPA phonetic transcription, naharayim is spelled /na.ha.ʁa.jim/. This word is significant in biblical history as it is mentioned as the northern border of the land of Israel in the book of Joshua.
Naharayim, also known as the Island of Peace, is a border region between Israel and Jordan situated at the confluence of the Yarmouk and Jordan rivers in the Jordan Valley. The term "Naharayim" is derived from the Hebrew word "nahar," meaning "river," and the Arabic word "ayn," meaning "spring" or "fountain."
As a place name, Naharayim refers specifically to the area surrounding the Naharayim power plant, a hydroelectric facility built jointly by the Israelis and Jordanians in the early 20th century. Established during the British Mandate period, the power plant harnessed the waters of the two rivers to generate electricity for both countries. It served as a symbol of the cooperative relationship between Israel and Jordan before the latter's capture of the West Bank in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Naharayim gained international recognition in 1994 when Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty, the first between Israel and an Arab state. As part of the agreement, Naharayim was designated a "special peace area," representing a rare example of shared sovereignty. The Island of Peace became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from both Israel and Jordan who could freely cross the border and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Unfortunately, in 2019, the lease agreement for the Israeli part of the Naharayim power plant expired and Jordan decided not to renew it. Subsequently, the area returned fully to Jordanian control, ending the unique shared sovereignty arrangement. Nevertheless, Naharayim continues to hold historical and cultural significance as a symbol of the peace efforts between Israel and Jordan.
The word "naharayim" is derived from two Hebrew terms: "nahar" meaning "river" and "ayim" meaning "two". Therefore, "naharayim" literally translates to "two rivers" in Hebrew.
