Israel Closes Allenby Bridge Crossing Indefinitely Between Jordan and West Bank

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Israel has announced the indefinite closure of the Allenby Bridge crossing, also known as the Karameh border crossing, starting on Wednesday. The move halts a critical travel and trade link between Jordan and the occupied West Bank.

The Allenby crossing, situated near the West Bank city of Areha (Jericho), is the primary route for Palestinians to travel abroad. With no airports under Palestinian control, this crossing serves as the main exit point for residents of the West Bank heading to other countries. Additionally, the crossing plays a vital role in commercial movement, facilitating the transport of goods between Jordan and the West Bank.

A spokesperson for the Israeli occupation authority confirmed that the closure had been ordered by the political leadership. However, no further details on the duration or conditions for reopening were provided. Palestinian and Jordanian officials had earlier signaled that such a decision was imminent.

The decision comes just days after Israel fully reopened the crossing on Monday. The reopening followed a brief closure after a shooting operation that resulted in the deaths of three Israeli security personnel. While the spokesperson linked the closure to political directives, the timing has drawn attention as it closely follows recent tensions.

The indefinite suspension of the crossing is expected to have a significant impact on Palestinians. Thousands of travelers rely on the Allenby Bridge each week for education, work, medical treatment, and family visits abroad. Businesses also depend on it for moving commercial goods, particularly agricultural and manufactured products.

For Jordan, which manages the opposite side of the crossing, the closure disrupts cross-border coordination and trade. The Allenby Bridge has long been considered a critical lifeline for Palestinian mobility and Jordan’s economic ties with the West Bank.

As the closure takes effect, the uncertainty surrounding its reopening leaves many Palestinians facing immediate challenges in mobility and trade, deepening an already difficult humanitarian and economic situation.