Is Jordan the IDF’s next battlefield? – analysis

IDF sources say Iran may seek to destabilize the Hashemite Kingdom and transform it into a launchpad for its proxy terrorist operations.

By Hezy Laing, World Israel News

Israel has long faced major threats in both the north (Hezbollah in Lebanon) and the south (Hamas in Gaza).

But could the next major front emerge in the east?

The Jewish state shares its longest border, nearly 200 miles, with Jordan.

Despite a peace treaty and ongoing security cooperation between Jerusalem and Amman, a recent uptick in cross-border terrorist incidents and weapon-smuggling attempts has raised an alarm.

IDF sources say Iran may seek to destabilize the Hashemite Kingdom and transform it into a launchpad for its proxy terrorist operations.

In response to the mounting threat, the IDF deployed a newly established division to the Jordanian frontier during the war with Iran – the 96th “Gilead” Division.

Since the recent conflict affirmed Israel’s technological superiority, analysts suggest that Iran could shift tactics, possibly engaging with its standing army.

The threat from the east is more than a geographic shift. It’s a direct line to Iran.

Only two countries lie between Iran and Israel: Iraq and Jordan.

Iran already holds significant influence in Iraq, a fellow Shiite-majority nation.

Only Jordan remains for a direct route from Iran to Israel.

If Tehran succeeds in establishing a land corridor to Israel, it could attempt to overwhelm the Jewish state with the superior manpower of its standing army.

Iran boasts a standing military of approximately 610,000 troops and a reserve force of 350,000.

Is this Iran’s new goal? Time will tell.