An Israeli was apprehended on Tuesday while trying to cross the border into Jordan illegally, according to Arab media reports.
The suspect was transferred to Jordanian authorities for questioning and was expected to be soon released into Israeli custody.
The incident occurred two days after the Israel Defense Forces revealed the foiling of an “unusual” attempt to smuggle weapons from Jordan into Israeli territory.
Israeli authorities said the arms were likely destined for Palestinian terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria.
In May, Israel released Jordanian parliamentarian Imad al-Adwan, who was arrested the previous month on suspicion of smuggling weapons and gold through the Allenby Crossing into Israel.
Jerusalem reportedly reached an understanding with Jordan according to which he would be prosecuted and punished upon his return.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, said al-Adwan was arrested on April 22 after 12 rifles and 194 handguns were found in his vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that since February 2022, the Jordanian lawmaker illegally transported various goods into Israel using his diplomatic passport on 12 occasions. These included birds, electronic cigarettes and gold.
Al-Adwan has a history of anti-Israel rhetoric and support for Palestinian terrorist organizations. However, he also received large amounts of money for the smuggling.
On Monday, Army Radio reported that the Israeli government plans to build a security barrier along the country’s eastern border with Jordan in an effort to thwart Iranian efforts to instigate violence.
During a closed meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told lawmakers that the Israel Defense Forces has noticed an increase in Tehran’s involvement in transferring arms and know-how into Judea and Samaria.
Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate
(Additional reporting provided by JNS Reporter)
