Israeli security forces apprehended two suspects near the settlement of Petzael in the Jordan Valley on Friday night. The individuals had crossed from Jordan and were reportedly plotting a major terror attack. They were taken into custody without resistance and were discovered with a Kalashnikov rifle equipped with a magazine.According to reports, a Quran was also found among their belongings.
The security system is currently investigating to which group the suspects might be affiliated, as their affiliations remain unconfirmed. The swift action of the security coordinator in Petzael, along with two emergency squad members, led to the arrests on the settlement’s territory. The two suspects were subsequently handed over to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) for further investigation.
The incident has raised concerns over the increase in arms smuggling and terrorist activities at Israel’s borders, particularly from Jordan. According to data analyzed by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, there has been a notable increase in smuggling attempts involving drugs and guns across Israel’s borders with Jordan and Egypt in recent years. These smuggling activities not only pose a direct security risk but also contribute to societal problems and public safety issues within Israel.
In July 2023, Israeli forces conducted a mission aimed at militant facilities and weapon storage in Jenin, specifically targeting the Jenin Brigades of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition to discovering a large quantity of chemical substances for making explosives and confiscating hundreds of assembled explosive devices, officials also uncovered numerous rounds of ammunition and various weapons including M-16s, pistols, and shotguns.This event further emphasizes the centrality of arms smuggling to the recent spike in violence.
The challenge of border security is exacerbated by the vast and varied landscapes along Israel’s borders, which provide smugglers with opportunities to evade detection. Despite the peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt, the continuous efforts by these countries to combat smuggling operations, and increased counter-smuggling campaigns by Israeli forces, the problem persists.
The rising trend in smuggling attempts, as reported by Israeli, Jordanian, and Egyptian officials, suggests that smuggling operations are becoming more sophisticated and complex. The profitability of smuggling, driven by financial desperation exacerbated by economic pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, has made the smuggling industry more attractive to those seeking employment.
Surveillance improvements, covert operations, regular patrols, and strong military coordination are all key elements in the ongoing push to uphold border security and prevent possible terrorist attacks, such as the one recently foiled near Petzael. The successful prevention of this attack in the Jordan Valley highlights a significant achievement for Israeli security forces, yet it also underscores the persistent threats the nation faces and the importance of maintaining vigilant and thorough border security protocols.
Relevant articles:
– Israel foils major terror attack by suspects who crossed Jordanian border
– Two infiltrators via Jordan surrendered themselves without resistance, Hebrew media claims, Ammon News, Sat, 23 Mar 2024 12:57:17 GMT
– Guns, Drugs, and Smugglers: A Recent Heightened Challenge at Israel’s Borders with Jordan and Egypt – Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, United States Military Academy West Point, Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Israel says it foiled bid to smuggle Iran-made explosives over Jordan border, The Times of Israel, Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT