What it is about

The Allenby Bridge – King Hussein border crossing, a crucial link between Israel and Jordan, temporarily ceased operations after a tragic terrorist attack. The attack resulted in the deaths of three Israelis, and the immediate closure of all land crossings between the two countries.

Why it matters

This crossing is essential for daily life and commerce, particularly for Palestinians, with about 14,000 individuals and approximately 250,000 workers depending on it to transfer goods and import raw materials. The closure underscores security challenges and regional tensions.

What happened

On Sunday, a terrorist driving a truck crossed into Israel from Jordan and opened fire, killing three Israelis. In response, Jordan sealed its side of the border, and Israeli authorities initiated a thorough security lockdown.

Officials’ perspectives and responses

Despite immediate contact and coordination between Israeli and Jordanian officials, tensions remain. Palestinians and Jordanians celebrated the attack, highlighting the polarized climate. Former Jordanian Information Minister Samih Al-Maaytah also suggested that such incidents are a consequence of ongoing conflicts.

Evolving threats

Israel’s security agencies are increasingly focused on the eastern border with Jordan. The concerns are twofold: direct terrorism and the smuggling of weapons spurred by hostile actors such as Iran and Hamas aiming to destabilize the region.

Looking ahead

Israel and Jordan are continuing their security coordination to combat these threats effectively. While the Allenby Bridge serves primarily for goods transportation, its role in international aid and daily needs makes its security and stability a prime concern for both nations.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.