IDF Strengthens Jordan Border Defenses Against Surprise Attack

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited Israel's eastern border on Wednesday to assess military preparedness in the Jordan Valley and review progress on the construction of a new security barrier along the border with Jordan. The visit focused in part on the recently established 96th Division, which was created to strengthen regional defenses and improve the military's ability to respond to infiltration attempts.

During his tour of military outposts, Zamir stressed the importance of maintaining constant operational readiness, even when intelligence warning systems are in place. "Alongside the requirement for intelligence warnings, the IDF's fundamental posture must be one of readiness for rapid changes and surprise attacks," he said.

According to Zamir, the deployment of the new division reflects lessons learned from the October 7 surprise attack. As part of its preparations, the division is positioning forces along a forward line of military outposts, ahead of communities in the Jordan Valley, to expand intelligence-gathering and strike capabilities while strengthening the region's defenses.

Jordan Valley's Strategic Importance

The visit was attended by IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth and other senior officers from the General Staff. During a situational assessment, Zamir identified maintaining stability, preventing terrorism and preparing for a range of security threats as key priorities, alongside upholding law and order.

"The Jordan Valley is the eastern defensive wall of the State of Israel, and maintaining control over it is essential to our national security and strategic depth," Zamir declared.

Zamir on the Jordanian border (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

Strengthening Military and Civilian Security

Later in the visit, Zamir met with female soldiers from the 909th Combat Intelligence Collection Battalion, spoke with participants in a pre-military preparatory program near Kibbutz Beit HaArava and held discussions with Jordan Valley Regional Council head David Elhayani.

The chief of staff also emphasized the importance of civilian communities in maintaining regional security. He stressed that military deployments and physical security barriers must be accompanied by stronger communities and thriving agricultural development.

"The combination of the military, civilian and settlement systems is an essential condition for strengthening the region," Zamir said.

Zamir on the Jordanian border (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)