IDF chief: Lessons will be learned from Allenby Crossing attack; until then, Gaza aid from Jordan is halted

Speaking at the scene of yesterday’s deadly attack at Allenby Crossing between Jordan and the West Bank, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir vows to “draw lessons” from the “difficult incident.”

In the attack, a Jordanian driving a truck carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip opened fire and then stabbed two victims, both soldiers working to coordinate the entry of aid, killing them.

“This is a serious and difficult incident; we will thoroughly investigate it and draw lessons from it,” Zamir says during a visit to the scene today.

“In recent months, we have established a dedicated division on the eastern border; we are strengthening and will continue to strengthen all components of defense on this border,” he says, referring to the recently formed 96th “Gilad” Division, which is tasked with the Jordan border.

“Even after yesterday’s difficult incident, we must remember that the strategic-security cooperation with Jordan contributes greatly to the IDF and must be preserved,” he adds.

Zamir was joined by COGAT chief Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, Planning Directorate chief, Vice Adm. Eyal Harel, Central Command chief, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, and officials from the Israeli Airports Authority — responsible for the border crossing.

The IDF chief also instructed a halt to the entry of Gaza aid from Jordan until the investigation into the attack is completed and its lessons are implemented, the military says.

Zamir later met with 96th Division chief Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha and other officers at a military post in the area, the IDF adds.