Israel's border with Jordan vulnerable to terror infiltration, weapons smuggling, locals fear

Residents along Israel's border with Jordan fear the current security situation leaves them vulnerable to terror infiltration and weapons smuggling, despite ongoing construction of a new high-tech fence. Central Arava Regional Council Head Meir Tzur highlighted the inadequacy of the existing wire fence, stating, "There's no problem crossing this twisted fence either." He also noted infrequent IDF patrols, advocating for a more visible military presence beyond remote technology. Locals report a consistent flow of illegal entrants and smuggled goods, including weapons, with one military source estimating the IDF intercepts only about 50% of smuggled items. The new security fence, featuring advanced sensors, is expected to be completed by early 2028, but defense sources emphasize that Israel will also enhance proactive intelligence collection.