The Israeli military believes that the greatest security threat to Israel in the coming years is likely to shift from the north and south to the eastern border, to Jordan.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, after its setbacks in other arenas, Iran is expected to focus on undermining Jordanian stability. Tehran's goal is to turn Jordan into a new platform for its proxy forces against Israel. While the Israel-Jordan border has long been relatively quiet, mostly plagued by smuggling, a recently uncovered network aimed at destabilizing Jordan - a long-standing strategic partner of Israel - has raised serious concerns. The IDF recognizes that close security cooperation with Jordan is not sufficient on its own.
The military's response to this emerging threat is the rapid operational deployment of Division 96, also known as the Gilad Division, under the command of Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha. Initially scheduled to become active months from now, the division was quickly mobilized following the outbreak of Operation Rising Lion, highlighting the urgent need to reinforce Israel's eastern border.
Division 96 is tasked with defending Israel's longest border, which stretches for hundreds of kilometers. Its most recent deployment included the 417th Jordan Valley Regional Brigade and a reserve infantry brigade. Additionally, the IDF is introducing a new strategic initiative under the Gilad Division: the formation of "David Brigades," regional defense units designed to secure areas deep within Israel's interior that have previously lacked sufficient protection.
Easing the burden on reserve forces
Israel Hayom has learned that the first of the David Brigades will become operational in August, assuming responsibility for a sector in Judea and Samaria. This move is intended not to prepare the unit for emergency deployment in its own sector but to relieve pressure on other overextended reserve units.
All the new brigades, including two composed of former naval personnel retrained for ground combat, are expected to be operational by February. The objective is to reduce the extreme load currently borne by both reserve and regular IDF brigades, which have been engaged almost continuously since October 7.
Meanwhile, the government is investing millions of shekels in reactivating abandoned military posts under the Gilad Division's command and significantly bolstering settlement efforts in the area. This includes the establishment of a new city along the border, the creation of new settlement outposts, and the official recognition and strengthening of existing communities. A major border fence project is also in the works, aimed at completing a comprehensive defensive system.
The revamped eastern border is envisioned as a model response to the October 7 massacre by Hamas: secure borders, robust settlement infrastructure, and proactive preparation for future threats, rather than reactive measures.
