Israeli Soldiers Wounded in Cross-Border Attack from Jordan

Attack Details

Two Israeli soldiers have been injured in an attack by gunmen who crossed into Israeli territory from Jordan, as per Israeli media reports. The incident occurred on Friday in the south Dead Sea area, near the Jordanian border, in Neot HaKikar. It was reported that Israeli soldiers were combing the area for a possible additional attacker. The Israeli army confirmed that two of the attackers had been neutralized and a search was on for a third who had fled the scene.

Aftermath and Reactions

This attack occurred a day after Israel announced the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. Prior to the attack, the army had reported spotting a group of men attempting to cross the border, prompting them to dispatch soldiers to confront them. In the wake of the attack, local residents were advised to stay indoors while the search for potential additional attackers was underway. Unverified images allegedly showing the deceased attackers in military uniforms have circulated. Jordanian officials, however, have refuted claims that the attackers were part of their armed forces, stating that the uniforms worn were not issued by the Jordanian military.

Jordan's Stance

Since the onset of Israel's war on Gaza, Jordan's leadership has had to balance rising anti-Israel sentiments domestically with maintaining its bilateral relationship with Israel. Jordan is home to a large population of descendants of Palestinian refugees who were forced to leave historic Palestine after mass expulsions, commonly referred to as the Nakba. The country frequently witnesses large-scale protests in support of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza. The Islamic Action Front in Jordan, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, praised the attack. They issued a statement celebrating the attack and called on the government to reconsider its agreements with Israel. In a previous incident in September, Jordanian national and truck driver Maher Dhiab al-Jazi was shot and killed at the Allenby Bridge crossing with the occupied West Bank after killing three Israeli security guards. In a letter left for his family, he stated that his actions were motivated by Israel's ongoing atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza.

Jordan-Israel Relations

Despite these incidents, Jordan's government has not made significant changes to its diplomatic relationship with Israel, and trade ties between the two countries continue as usual. Following Iran's missile attacks on Israel in April and October, Jordanian armed forces attempted to intercept missiles flying over Jordanian territory, which led to domestic criticism.

Bottom Line

This incident reflects the ongoing tension and conflict in the region, showcasing the delicate balance that countries like Jordan must maintain between domestic sentiments and international relations. What are your thoughts on this incident and the broader implications for Jordan-Israel relations? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.