Netanyahu Inspects New Eastern Border Barrier, Issues Warning to Adversaries

During the visit near Kibbutz Masada in the Jordan Valley, Netanyahu received briefings from senior military commanders, including Head of the Borders and Seam Administration Maj. Gen. Eran Ofir and Commander of the 96th Division Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha. The Prime Minister described the barrier as a huge obstacle stretching from the Yarmouk River to Eilat, designed to supplement existing security measures along the borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

Netanyahu stated that the barrier is part of a comprehensive defense plan that includes troop deployments, extensive engineering and logistical efforts by regular and reserve forces, and advanced countermeasures against drones. He issued a direct warning to Israel's adversaries, declaring, "Don't test us." According to JDN, the construction is a response to vulnerabilities exposed by the October 7 Hamas attacks, aiming to defend against potential threats from Jordan, including infiltration by Houthi forces or Iranian militias from Iraq, and hostility from the Palestinian population there.

Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that while the barrier is an important component of Israel's defense strategy, it complements a proactive, offensive security policy. Makor Rishon also briefly noted a separate political proposal regarding Jordan managing parts of Judea and Samaria.