Jordan River Crossing to Extend Hours to Ease Congestion, Free 600 Trucks

The Union of Industrialists has reached a preliminary agreement with the Land Crossings Authority to extend operating hours at the Jordan River Crossing by three hours daily, effective October 4, 2026. The crossing will now operate until 8 PM, instead of 5 PM, from Sunday to Thursday. This decision aims to alleviate significant congestion and delays in the import of raw materials and goods, which have led to over 600 trucks being stranded on the Jordanian side in recent weeks.

The extended hours are expected to free up these backlog of trucks, providing a vital lifeline for local factories and preventing further disruption to supply chains. The move will expedite the flow of raw materials, reduce transportation and logistical costs, and help factories avoid hefty fines for delayed shipments, thereby maintaining the operational efficiency and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

This initiative follows a sharp decline in daily truck traffic at the crossing, which dropped from 230-250 trucks per day in September 2024 to only 100-150 trucks daily. The Union had previously warned authorities about the crisis, citing reduced operating hours, tightened security measures, and staffing shortages as causes for supply chain disruptions and unprecedented shipping cost increases.

The Union emphasized the prohibitive economic cost of alternative routes, noting that rerouting trucks to the Allenby or Arava crossings would increase shipping costs from 1,500 shekels to approximately 6,000 shekels per truck. Additionally, drivers incur daily waiting fees of $100 per day for delayed shipments. The new agreement is seen as a crucial solution to prevent these substantial financial burdens on the local economy.

Dr. Mohammed Zahalqa, head of the Arab Industries Committee at the Union, highlighted the crossing's strategic importance for national industry and trade, especially following the Abraham Accords, which have increased its significance for imports and exports. He also noted the increased reliance on the Jordan River Crossing due to slower trade via the Taba crossing with Egypt and congestion at Israeli ports, which are delaying the unloading of dozens of ships. Zahalqa considers the Union's success in resolving this crisis a decisive strategic step in protecting national industry from direct financial repercussions and easing logistical burdens on factories.