Two arrested in thwarted weapons smuggling attempt near Israel-Jordan border

Israeli security forces thwarted an attempt to smuggle 10 handguns across the Jordanian border, arresting two suspects in the process. The incident near Gesher Adam, north of the Dead Sea, followed an infiltration alert in the Jordan Valley, where the IDF had set up blockades.

“

There's nothing behind it. There's no problem crossing this twisted fence either. Here, for example, it's completely open. There are no indicative measures on the fence. Any citizen can cross; they don't even have to jump because it's torn down.

Police discovered the weapons buried in a bag near the bridge. The suspects, identified as Jericho residents in their 20s, were taken for further questioning. This event underscores persistent security concerns regarding the porous border with Jordan, which has been vulnerable to both illegal entry and the smuggling of weapons.

“

We really want the Israeli army to be stationed on the border line, and not just with remote technology. We are afraid of this technology. Every Israeli knows that what starts with a small breach may eventually lead to a failure. A fence alone or technology is not the absolute solution.

Local residents have previously voiced fears about the border's defenses, noting that the current fence is easily breached and infrequently patrolled. A military source indicated that approximately half of smuggled weapons and goods are intercepted, emphasizing the potential for terrorists to cross undetected if weapons smuggling is successful. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in securing this frontier.

“

If they succeed in smuggling weapons, they can also succeed in smuggling a terrorist.