Israel Plans 40 New Settlements and Border Wall Along Jordan Frontier
Israel's Ministry of Defense is advancing a comprehensive plan to bolster its eastern border with Jordan, a strategy that includes establishing 40 new settlements and constructing a new 5.5 billion shekel ($1.5 billion) security barrier. The initiative aims to significantly increase the population density along the 500-kilometer border, which currently houses just over 20,000 residents, a stark contrast to the approximately four million people living on the Jordanian side. Mordechai Benita, head of the Eastern Region Administration at the Ministry of Defense, revealed the plan in an interview, emphasizing that the October 7th Hamas attack underscored the critical need for enhanced physical defenses alongside intelligence and military readiness.
The plan encompasses seven regional councils and the city of Beit She'an, areas characterized by low population density and challenges in employment, transportation, education, and security. Benita explained that the perceived vulnerability of the eastern border, situated between Jordan and further east, potentially Iraq and Iran, necessitates self-reliance rather than depending solely on regional stability. He highlighted that reaching central Israel from the Jordanian border could take as little as an hour, underscoring the urgency of fortifying the frontier.
The new security barrier, already under construction with tens of kilometers completed, is designed to counter not only potential terrorist infiltrations but also the significant smuggling of drugs and weapons, including via drones. Benita cited the effectiveness of the border fence with Egypt in reducing infiltration as a precedent, while stressing that a physical barrier is only one component of security.
The settlement aspect of the plan involves creating new communities, including frameworks for youth, pre-military academies, and leadership programs, some in previously unpopulated areas or revitalizing abandoned sites. Benita noted that this initiative transcends political divides, drawing support from various factions and reflecting a renewed pioneering spirit, with 80-90% of participants not being religiously observant. The plan also seeks to foster economic development through initiatives like AI server farms and renewable energy projects, alongside expanded cooperation with Jordan, particularly in areas like cross-border labor.
Benita asserted that security is intrinsically linked to civilian presence, stating, "There is no security without settlement." The plan also involves strengthening local emergency response teams, providing them with arms and training, and establishing a new military division, Division 96, to oversee the region. He believes the program will receive broad support across political lines, as it is seen as vital for the defense of central Israel and its population.
