What’s happening

Israel is planning to commence construction of a new and improved border fence along its border with Jordan starting in June. This strategic move, expected to take three years, reinforces Israel’s commitment to bolstering its national security.

Why it matters

The introduction of this new 5.2 billion NIS ($1.4 billion) barrier reinforces the safety of Israeli land amid ongoing challenges and security threats. This sophisticated infrastructure, running from Hamat Gader at the Golan Heights to just north of Eilat, aims to significantly improve the monitoring and deterrence of illegal activities at the border.

The big picture

Historically, portions of Israel’s current fence along the Jordan border have been identified as porous, which has allowed instances of gun and drug trafficking. The updated border barrier will integrate advanced technology too, closing gaps for illegal smuggling and unauthorized entries.

Zoom out

This plan reflects broader national security measures, amid continuing threats from the region. In previous years and more recently, incidents involving cross-border crimes served as a justification for these enhancements. The border barrier with Jordan aligns with strategies effective in curtailing similar challenges at other borders, like the successful systems seen on the Egyptian and Gaza frontiers.

What they’re saying

“We are steadfast in our determination to deter any potential unfriendly activities attempting to infiltrate our borders,” said then-Foreign Minister and current Defense Minister Israel Katz.

What to watch

Keep an eye on developments concerning Israel’s border hardening measures, as implementation and effectiveness continue to make significant impacts on national stability and broader geopolitical dynamics.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.