Israel is moving forward with plans to construct a fortified wall along its border with Jordan, spanning more than 400 kilometers. The estimated cost of the project is approximately 5 billion shekels ($1.37 billion). If the budget is approved as planned, construction could be completed within three years.
According to Israeli security agencies, one of the main motivations behind the wall is the “fear of contagion from Syria and destabilization of the Jordanian regime.”
Construction Timeline and Budget Allocation
Israeli journalist Lilach Shoval reported in Israel Hayom that if the project progresses as scheduled and the budget receives timely approval, the eastern border wall could be operational within three years.
The planned wall will stretch from Eilat Airport in the south to about 10 kilometers northward, passing through the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and Beit She’an. The Ministry of Defense has already allocated funds for the planning phase, which is expected to be completed by March.
Once the budget is fully approved and funding sources are secured, construction could begin swiftly. The project will involve several parallel work teams to expedite the process, replacing the current “fragile or non-existent barriers” between Israel and Jordan.
Purpose and Strategic Goals
The new wall is intended to address multiple security concerns, including:
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- Preventing Infiltration: Enhancing border security to deter illegal crossings.
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- Combating Weapons Smuggling: Reducing the increasing flow of arms, particularly as Iran allegedly seeks to arm militants in the West Bank to carry out attacks against Israeli targets.
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- Fortifying Israel’s Eastern Border: Creating a stronger security buffer, especially in areas near settlements and regions identified as high-risk for smuggling activities.
Construction will prioritize regions based on proximity to Israeli settlements and areas most vulnerable to cross-border threats. Major General Eran Ofir will lead the project’s implementation.
Geopolitical Concerns
Israeli military officials are reportedly alarmed by the potential impact of Syria’s instability on Jordan’s internal security. The Jordanian regime is considered a cornerstone of Israel’s eastern border security strategy.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense is preparing for various scenarios, including potential threats to Jordan’s stability. In light of these concerns, plans for the eastern border wall include measures to ensure rapid deployment of forces if necessary.
Military Preparedness and Reserve Forces
As part of its broader security plan, the Israeli military has issued a call to recruit reservists for a newly formed eastern division. This unit is expected to focus on the Jordanian border to address potential threats and challenges that may arise from regional instability.
