Netanyahu Pledges Collaboration with Amman to Strengthen Jordan Valley Border Fence

During a visit to an IDF outpost overlooking the Jordan Valley on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to enhancing security along Israel’s eastern border with Jordan. Netanyahu stressed the importance of cooperation with Amman in maintaining peace and security, particularly in light of recent terrorist activities.

“We know that we need to secure our eastern border with Jordan. This is a border of peace,” Netanyahu said, referring to the close coordination with Jordan to combat rising threats. His comments come just days after a terrorist attack at the Allenby border crossing, which left three Israelis dead.

Netanyahu highlighted the increasing challenges of smuggling weapons and terrorists into Judea and Samaria (West Bank) from Jordan. “There is an attempt to smuggle both terrorists and weapons across the Jordan into Judea and Samaria and into the cities of Israel,” he said. In response, Netanyahu vowed to “construct a stronger barrier” along the 309-kilometer border, working in coordination with Jordan to keep the border secure.

While Jordan has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and visits by Israeli ministers to the Temple Mount, security cooperation between the two nations has remained robust. Jordan continues to work closely with Israel, particularly during incidents like the April 13-14 drone and missile attacks on Israel, reportedly orchestrated by Iran.

The aging border fence currently serves as a deterrent for most smuggling attempts, but Israeli officials are pushing for an upgrade. In recent years, Netanyahu has repeatedly floated the idea of a border wall along the Israel-Jordan border, similar to the barrier erected near Eilat and the Ramon International Airport. That 30-kilometer section cost NIS 300 million ($88 million), and expanding such a project along the entire border would likely require billions of shekels.

Netanyahu first raised the idea of a fence along the Jordanian border in 2012 and has continued to advocate for it, calling it essential to preventing “infiltration” and maintaining Israel’s security.

The prime minister’s visit to the Jordan Valley underscores Israel’s ongoing efforts to fortify its borders amid rising regional tensions, particularly with Iran’s growing influence in the area.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s border security and regional developments.