Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Attack at Allenby Crossing

Deadly Attack at Allenby Crossing Claims Two Israeli Lives

Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in a combined shooting and stabbing attack at the Allenby Crossing, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, which connects the West Bank with Jordan. The assailant, a Jordanian truck driver, was subsequently shot and killed by security forces at the scene.

The incident has led to the indefinite closure of the vital crossing and sparked strong reactions from both Israeli and Jordanian officials, raising immediate concerns about the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Details of the Assault and Attacker Identified

The attack unfolded around 3 p.m. when the perpetrator, identified by Jordanian officials as Abd al-Mutalib al-Qaisi, 57, arrived at the crossing from the Jordanian side. Al-Qaisi was driving a truck laden with humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.

Before his truck could undergo inspection, al-Qaisi opened fire with a handgun at soldiers stationed at the crossing. A preliminary military investigation indicated that after his weapon apparently jammed, he then proceeded to stab the two soldiers repeatedly. Security personnel at the crossing responded by opening fire, neutralizing the attacker.

Victims Identified and Official Condemnations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the fallen soldiers as Lt. Col. (res.) Yitzhak Harosh, 68, a reservist in the Civil Administration from Jerusalem, and Sgt. Oran Hershko, 20, a liaison officer with foreign forces in the IDF's Tevel international cooperation unit from Tel Mond. Both soldiers were involved in coordinating the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza via Jordan.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deaths, stating, 'The price is heavy, but these heroes fall so that the state may live.' He also called for new security protocols for aid trucks, including metal detectors and thorough inspections, and criticized Jordan for failing to prevent the attack. The Israeli Foreign Ministry attributed the assault to 'Jordanian incitement.'

Jordan's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a 'violation of international law' and warned that the incident could impact the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ministry also reiterated its demands for an end to 'Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip' and called for a permanent ceasefire.

Crossing Closure and Security Concerns

In the immediate aftermath, the Allenby Crossing was closed indefinitely, with the Israel Airports Authority confirming the closure until further notice. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir recommended a halt to all humanitarian shipments from Jordan pending a full investigation and reassessment of security procedures. As part of the response, IDF forces also encircled the city of Jericho.

This incident marks the second deadly attack at the Allenby Crossing within a year, following a similar event in September 2024 that resulted in the deaths of three Israelis. Authorities also reported finding several assault rifles and gun parts near the crossing, suggesting potential weapon smuggling attempts.