William P. Rogers, serving as the U.S. Secretary of State, played a significant role in Middle Eastern diplomacy during a period marked by the ongoing War of Attrition, a conflict primarily between Egypt and Israel that lasted from 1967 until 1970. On December 9, 1969, Rogers laid out a plan for a ceasefire that sought to quell the escalating violence and facilitate a diplomatic resolution. This proposal was critical given the death toll and regional instability that had characterized the war.

The ceasefire proposal received immediate acceptance from both Egypt and Jordan, showcasing a potential shift towards peace negotiations. However, it faced staunch opposition from the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), which felt excluded from the discussions and anxious about their diminishing influence over Palestinian territories and the broader Arab nationalist goals of the region. Despite the PLO's objections, the endorsement of the ceasefire plan by key states indicated a willingness from some Arab leaders to pursue negotiations, albeit at the expense of the PLO's agenda.

This decision had profound implications for Jordan, where the acceptance of the ceasefire exacerbated internal tensions. The PLO and Jordan’s monarchy, led by King Hussein, were positioned against each other, culminating in an explosive civil conflict that began in September 1970, famously known as Black September. The repercussions of this internal strife were felt across the region, significantly altering the political landscape of the Middle East.