Construction of Security Wall on Jordan Border; Israel Responds to Iranian Arms Smuggling

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, stated that the country is constructing a security wall on its border with Jordan to prevent arms smuggling into the West Bank. In his remarks made on Monday, August 1, he added that the Islamic Republic has intensified its efforts to transfer weapons to Palestinian militants. According to the Israeli network i24, he said, 'We are witnessing an increase in Iran's involvement in efforts to transfer weapons and gather intelligence in the West Bank.' The Israeli Defense Minister also noted, 'Iran and terrorist organizations view (the areas of) Judea and Samaria as Israel's weak point and are directing many resources to launch attacks in those areas.' Judea and Samaria are located in eastern Israel. i24 reported that last week an attempt to smuggle weapons at the Jordan border was thwarted. The news network indicated that the release of further details on this matter has been prohibited. According to the report, the idea of creating a security wall on the Israel-Jordan border, similar to that built on the border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has been discussed for several years. However, this idea has not been implemented due to financial issues and other priorities. Recently, Voice of America reported that experts are warning about the activities and changing strategies of militia groups supported by the Islamic Republic in the Middle East. Joe Truzman, a researcher at the bipartisan think tank 'Foundation for Defense of Democracies,' which specializes in Palestinian militia groups and Hezbollah, stated that 19 militia groups supported by the Islamic Republic are active 'around Israel's borders.' According to reports, experts have warned about attempts to smuggle weapons into Israel and the intensification of terrorist activities in areas surrounding the West Bank. They are concerned that the Islamic Republic may implement a situation similar to Gaza in the West Bank. Jonathan Schanzer, another Middle East expert at the FDD and author of 'The 2021 Gaza Conflict,' said that Hamas's new strategy, which controls the Gaza Strip, has been to increase its influence in the West Bank under Iranian guidance. A Palestinian attacker injured five Israelis; Hamas and Islamic Jihad: It was heroic. The Israeli army warned Netanyahu: Iran and Hezbollah view judicial reforms as a 'historic opportunity.' A secret meeting of senior officials from the Islamic Republic and Hamas regarding the crisis in Israel. Coalition against Iran's nuclear program: Hezbollah continues to accumulate weapons. Israel's efforts to prevent the 'collapse' of the Palestinian Authority.