What is happening?
Smuggling attempts along Israel’s border with Jordan have sharply increased amid ongoing regional conflicts. Israeli police forces, particularly from special units known as “Nagen,” responsible for the security of the Jordanian and Egyptian frontiers, apprehended significant quantities of firearms being smuggled into the country.
Why it matters
The rise in weapon smuggling presents a multifaceted threat, reaching both terrorist groups in the West Bank and criminal gangs within Israel. This infiltrative risk exacerbates the security challenges for Israel and underscores the country’s need for reinforced border control measures.
The details
On Tuesday, Nagen units captured 75 Glock rifles concealed in a vehicle driven by two young Bedouins from the Negev Desert. This follows a similar find in July when 33 handguns were intercepted at the Rabin Jordanian border crossing. Investigations suggest these weapons fuel terrorist activities in the West Bank, driven by efforts from Iran and Hamas to arm militants targeting Israeli citizens and troops.
The domestic impact
Moreover, these smuggled weapons feed into criminal racks within Israel, drastically elevating the violence among criminal gangs, particularly in the Israeli Arab sector. The recent tragic incident in Ramla, where an explosive device killed four people, including two children, and injured a dozen others highlights the criticality of reigning in arms smuggling to restore public safety.
Strategic responses
Addressing the omnipresent threat along Israel’s extensive border with Jordan, construction of new barrier walls has commenced in some vulnerable areas. This follows the execution of intensified security measures in communities along the border, especially after the grievous Hamas-led attack on October 7.
Official stance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent tour of the Jordan Valley accentuates the governmental urgency in fortifying these borders. Netanyahu vowed to collaborate closely with Jordan to stymie any further smuggling efforts and terrorism. Emphasizing bilateral cooperation, both nations aim to erect a “strong barrier” to seal off this strategic foothold against common threats.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.