Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) head Shlomi Binder visited Jordan on Friday to address shared interests in light of developments in Syria. Israel is concerned, as reported in Israel Hayom last Friday, that regional instability could also destabilize Jordan internally, and that Iran may intensify its attempts to smuggle weapons through Jordan into Judea and Samaria (The West Bank) due to a lack of alternative routes.
This marks the second visit by senior Israeli defense officials to a neighboring country within a week. Last week, the Shin Bet chief and the IDF Chief of Staff visited Egypt to address Israel's concerns over violations of the peace treaty between the two nations. Despite the peace agreements, the evolving situation in Syria poses a risk to regional stability.
The Israeli defense establishment is particularly alarmed by potential unrest in the West Bank fueled by events in Syria. Officials fear that extremist Islamic actors, inspired by Syrian rebels, may launch attacks. In response, the IDF has decided to reinforce security measures for Israeli settlements in the Judea and Samaria and bolster the protection of main roads in the region.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian security forces launched a special operation this morning aimed at reasserting control over the Jenin refugee camp. A spokesperson for the Palestinian security forces announced the operation, titled "Defending the Homeland."
Simultaneously, clashes erupted between Palestinian security forces and armed militants in Tulkarm. Militants hurled explosive devices and opened fire at the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in the city. So far, the security forces have refrained from entering the Tulkarm refugee camp, responding instead with gunfire from a distance.
