In a tragic incident, three Israelis were killed at the Allenby Bridge crossing, a major border point between Jordan and the occupied West Bank. The crossing, known as the King Hussein Bridge, serves as the main gateway between the West Bank and Jordan, midway between Amman and Jerusalem. The incident marks a serious escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and its neighbors.
Incident details
According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports, the attacker, identified as 39-year-old Jordanian truck driver Maher Jazi, approached the crossing from the Jordanian side. He drove his truck to the border terminal, got out and opened fire on Israeli guards stationed there. The attack took place on September 8, 2024, near Jericho, a key passage point where Jordanian vehicles transport goods into the West Bank.
After the shooting began, Israeli security forces quickly responded and killed the gunman. Following the incident, the IDF conducted a thorough search of the truck for any explosives or other dangerous materials. None were found, and the immediate threat was declared over.
The victims have been identified as Yohanan Shachori, 61, Uri Birnbaum, 65, and Adrian Marcelo Podzamzer, 63, who were not military personnel but rather border crossing guards. Their deaths have further escalated already high tensions in the region, which has been experiencing increased violence in recent months.
Reactions by Jordan and Israel
In response to the attack, Jordanian authorities have said they are conducting their own investigation to understand the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident. The Allenby Bridge, while under Israeli control, is a major transit point for goods and people between Jordan and the West Bank. The border point was immediately closed on both sides following the attack, halting all transit operations.
Jordan’s initial response was focused on ensuring that the attack did not further deteriorate the already fragile relations between the two countries. The incident also prompted Jordanian border officials to work closely with Israeli authorities. Reports revealed that about two dozen Jordanian truck drivers who were present at the offloading area during the attack were detained by the Israeli army for questioning. The measure appears to be part of a wider investigation to understand the attacker’s network and to investigate whether he had any accomplices.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it “a despicable terrorist act.” He offered his condolences to the families of the victims and stressed that Israel would take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This is a difficult day for Israel,” he said, stressing that such attacks would not deter Israel from ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Context of the border and its significance
The Allenby Bridge is a crucial crossing point as it is the only official land border between Jordan and the West Bank, other than points directly controlled by Israel. It serves as a lifeline for the Palestinian territories, allowing goods to move in and out without passing through Israeli territory. Dozens of trucks cross through Jordan daily, providing essential supplies for markets in both the West Bank and Israel.
The crossing also symbolizes the complex relationship between Jordan and Israel. Despite maintaining a peace treaty and diplomatic relations since 1994, Jordan has been vocal in criticizing Israeli policies regarding the Palestinians. Security cooperation between the two countries often faces challenges due to incidents where violent actions from both sides lead to tensions and potential policy changes.
Rising tensions and violence in the region
The attack comes amid a backdrop of rising violence and hostility in the region. The West Bank has seen a surge in clashes and military operations, especially since October 7, 2024, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, leading to heightened tensions in Gaza. Since then, the West Bank has been engulfed in violence, with more than 600 Palestinians reportedly killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The United Nations also reported at least 18 Israeli deaths due to West Bank violence during the same period.
Violence in the West Bank is not limited to clashes between the Israeli military and Palestinian militants. It also includes settler violence, retaliatory attacks, and military operations against Palestinian residents whom Israel identifies as terrorist networks. In recent months, Israel has conducted several military operations, including a significant nine-day operation in Jenin, a city with a strong terrorist presence.
Israeli officials argue that these operations are necessary to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank. However, Palestinians view these actions as collective punishment, fuelling further violence.