Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz meet with soldiers on the eastern border with Jordan, where efforts are underway to reinforce defenses, according to a statement from the premier’s office.
“It is an extremely important mission to defend the eastern border. We are taking into account that our enemies want to invade Israel, and therefore we rely on you,” Netanyahu tells the soldiers in the IDF’s 96th Division, responsible for the Jordan border area.
The prime minister and defense minister “received a detailed briefing on efforts being made to reinforce defenses on the eastern frontier,” including barrier construction and the deployment of newly advanced systems and equipment, the statement reads.
Israel has become increasingly wary of border vulnerability since the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion, and has been increasing efforts to defend its 300-mile-long border against weapon smuggling and terrorist infiltrations.
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From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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