Full Breakdown
Deadly Attack at Allenby Crossing: Two Israeli Soldiers Killed
9/20/2025, 11:56:50 PM
Attack Overview
On September 18, 2025, a Jordanian national, Abd al-Mutalib al-Qaisi, executed a deadly attack at the Allenby Crossing, the primary border point between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan. Al-Qaisi, who had been driving a humanitarian aid truck bound for Gaza, opened fire on Israeli soldiers before stabbing two of them. The attack resulted in the deaths of Lt. Col. (res.) Yitzhak Harosh, 68, and Sgt. Oran Hershko, 20. Security forces at the crossing responded by neutralizing the assailant.
Background & Context
The Allenby Crossing is a crucial transit point for humanitarian aid entering Gaza, particularly during the ongoing conflict that escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since the beginning of the war, nearly 10,000 trucks of aid have been transferred from Jordan to Gaza, representing about 7% of all aid deliveries. This incident marks a continuation of violence at the crossing, which has seen similar attacks in the past, including a September 2024 incident where three Israelis were killed by a Jordanian truck driver.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the attack, Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the incident, attributing it to "Jordanian incitement" and asserting that the humanitarian aid system is being exploited for terrorist activities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for enhanced security measures for aid trucks and emphasized Jordan's responsibility to prevent such attacks. Meanwhile, Jordan's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a violation of international law and expressed concern that it could disrupt humanitarian efforts to Gaza.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed to the broader implications of the attack, arguing that it highlights significant security gaps in the arrangements governing aid shipments from Jordan. The Jordanian government, while condemning the attack, faces domestic pressure due to widespread protests against Israeli actions in Gaza. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols at the Allenby Crossing and the potential for further violence.
What's Next
Following the attack, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recommended a temporary halt to all humanitarian aid shipments from Jordan until a thorough investigation is completed and security procedures are reassessed. The Allenby Crossing has been closed indefinitely, and security forces have increased their presence in the area, including surrounding the nearby town of Jericho.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is yet another result of the vile incitement in Jordan. This is the result of the echoing of Hamas’s campaign of lies.” — Israeli Foreign Ministry
- “We must remember that the strategic-security cooperation with Jordan contributes greatly to the IDF and must be preserved.” — IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
- “This is a serious and difficult incident. We will thoroughly investigate it and draw lessons from it,” — Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Israeli military confirmed the details of the attack, including the assailant's identity and actions, there has been no immediate claim of responsibility from any terrorist group. Hamas praised the attack but did not officially claim it, reflecting the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the exact motivations behind al-Qaisi's actions remain unclear, with investigations ongoing.
