In a recent attack at the Allenby Bridge crossing, located at the border between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, three Israeli civilians were tragically killed, according to Israeli officials.
The incident occurred when a gunman approached the area from the Jordanian side in a truck, disembarked, and opened fire.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that security forces “eliminated” the assailant, who was found to be unarmed with explosives after a thorough inspection of the truck.
Video footage captured the attacker entering the terminal and discharging his weapon three times before being neutralized by Israeli security personnel.
Following the attack, Jordan has announced an investigation into the matter, given that it took place in an Israeli-controlled zone where Jordanian vehicles are used to transfer goods to the West Bank.
The border point has been closed, and Israel has also shut down all land crossings with Jordan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the day as “hard” and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families during a cabinet meeting.
He condemned the act as “a loathsome terrorist” attack that resulted in the cold-blooded murder of three citizens at the Allenby Bridge.
The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is situated roughly halfway between Amman and Jerusalem and serves as the sole official crossing between Jordan and the West Bank that does not pass through Israel. In response to the attack, Israeli forces have increased their military presence at the crossing.
Jordan’s state-run news agency Petra reported that all crossings with Jordan have been closed by Israel.
This attack comes amidst heightened tensions, with over 600 Palestinians reported killed in the recent surge of violence in the West Bank since Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel and the subsequent Gaza conflict.
Last week, Israeli forces completed a major operation in Jenin city and its refugee camp—a key militant stronghold in the West Bank.
The operation, lasting nine days, targeted areas with a civilian population of approximately 60,000.
The IDF continues to focus on countering Palestinian attacks and combating terrorism in the region.
