From three fronts: The threats facing Israel’s new IDF division on the Jordanian border

The IDF has completed the establishment of the "Gilad Formation" (Division 96), which will operate along the border between Israel and Jordan – from Ein Gev in the north to Masada in the south.

According to its risk scenarios, the division faces several main threats: infiltrations by Palestinians from Jordan into Israel; by thousands of fighters affiliated with Iraqi militias; and even the arrival of Houthi cells.

Division 96 is the first new division to be established in the IDF in 46 years. As part of bolstering the eastern front, the division has begun taking over the long-standing line of outposts known as the "Water Line," and is building intelligence and surveillance command centers to thwart smuggling along the border.

Already in 2025, around 120 infiltration attempts, smuggling incidents, and terrorist operations have been thwarted in the area.

The division will consist of battalions operating in routine security roles, and five "David" reserve brigades which are assigned to the division and will serve during emergency deployment. The "Gilad Formation" is expected to establish an additional regional brigade in the southern sector, and by January 2026, the division will extend its operational area to the Arava Junction.

Additionally, the Israeli cabinet has approved the construction of five new settlements in the Jordan Valley as part of a policy of "settlement as defense" for the borders. Three of these – Kedem Arava, Tevetz, and Gev’onit – already exist, and will be joined by a new settlement and a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) city soon to be established.

On the other side of the border, and in coordination with Israel, the Jordanians have begun building a fence along the eastern bank of the Jordan River.

This move coincides with a decision by the Jordanian Crown Prince to reinstate mandatory military service in the Jordanian Armed Forces – the first time in 33 years.