IDF Chief tours Jordan border, reviews readiness plans

Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Jordan border Wednesday, touring the 96th Division alongside Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth.

During the visit, the Chief of Staff toured outposts along the Jordan border and inspected the barrier currently under construction in the division's sector. He conducted a situational assessment with commanders on operational challenges in the sector and issued directives for implementing the defense concept and strengthening operational readiness.

The IDF said the Chief of Staff emphasized to commanders their mission to strictly maintain law and order and protect the security of all populations living in the sector.

The visit included: Manpower Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Dado Bar-Kalifa, Ground Forces commander Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, Logistics Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Rami Abudraham, Defense Ministry Borders and Seam Administration chief Maj. Gen. Eran Ofir, 96th Division commander Col. Oren Simcha, Defense Ministry Eastern Sector project director Col. (res.) Mordechai Benita, and additional commanders.

The Chief of Staff met with Jordan Valley Regional Council head David Elhayani and expressed appreciation for the cooperation between Central Command and the division's forces in the Jordan Valley with the council and residents in strengthening security and settlement in the area.

The Chief of Staff on the Jordan border / Photo: IDF Spokesperson (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

Touring near the border / Photo: IDF Spokesperson (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

Prepared for every scenario

"The 96th Division represents a concrete example of implementing the lessons of October 7th on the ground. The IDF is strengthening the components of the security concept through reinforcing defensive and offensive capabilities at the borders, including the division preparing a forward outpost line in front of the communities and improving intelligence-gathering and strike capabilities.

The eastern border is a significant arena for our security, of first-order strategic importance. Our mission is to maintain stability in the sector, thwart terror threats, and simultaneously prepare for a range of scenarios.

Alongside the requirement for intelligence warning, the baseline state of IDF forces must be readiness for rapid change and surprise. In every sector we must maintain high alertness, preempt threats, and ensure protection of the borders and civilians.

The Jordan Valley has historical, Zionist, and security importance, it is the eastern defensive wall of the State of Israel, and control over it is a vital component of national security and our strategic depth.

Security does not rest only on fortifications and military forces, but also on strength of spirit and strong settlement, thriving agriculture, and civilians deepening their roots in this land. The integration between the military, civilian, and settlement systems is a necessary condition for strengthening the area."