Israel Blocks West Bank Crossing to Jordan in Wake of Fatal Attack

Israel has shut the Allenby Bridge crossing, the only gateway between the West Bank and Jordan, after a deadly attack on Thursday left two Israeli soldiers dead. The assailant, a driver transporting humanitarian aid from Jordan into Gaza, opened fire at the crossing before being neutralized.

The Israeli Airports Authority, which operates the site, announced the closure on Friday, saying it would remain shut until further notice. The Allenby Bridge is not only a vital trade route between Israel and Jordan but also the sole exit point for more than three million Palestinians in the West Bank to reach Jordan and beyond.

The attack also affected other points of entry. The Jordan River crossing in northern Israel was closed, while the Rabin crossing in the south remained partially open, restricted to workers only.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the scene and vowed to tighten border security. “This is a difficult incident, and we will draw lessons from it,” Zamir said. “We are strengthening and will continue to strengthen all components of defense on the eastern border. IDF soldiers stand guard to allow the people of Israel to celebrate the Tishrei holidays in peace.”

No terror group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the incident highlights the growing challenges Israel faces on its eastern frontier.

The closure of the Allenby Bridge underscores the delicate balance between security and regional cooperation, as Israel works to secure its borders while maintaining critical ties with Jordan.

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