Jordan Border Faces Rising Threat of Infiltrations and Smuggling

Nearly three years after the October 7th attacks, the perceived quiet along Israel's border with Jordan is proving deceptive, with a growing security concern emerging from the east. Daily infiltrations are occurring, alongside significant smuggling of weapons and drugs across the long border.

According to reports from the field, the situation is alarming. "There are daily crossings of infiltrators from all over the world, from various countries and continents, unimpeded. It's a ticking time bomb," stated Adv. Yonatan Yakubovich, founder of the Israeli Immigration Policy Center. While many infiltrators are primarily seeking work, the porous border also presents an opportunity for hostile elements and terrorists to enter Israel.

In response to the escalating threats and lessons learned from October 7th, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have significantly altered their deployment along the Jordan border. This includes the establishment of the 96th Division and the re-manning of positions abandoned since the 1970s, aimed at strengthening control over the vulnerable frontier.

Despite close coordination and a shared interest in maintaining calm with the Jordanian army, recent incidents involving Jordanian civilians have necessitated constant vigilance from Israeli forces, even in challenging weather conditions. Alongside enhanced security measures in the Jordan Valley, new Israeli settlements and agricultural communities are being established to develop the region.