Lara Zijl 
Lebanese intelligence agents have reportedly arrested members of Hamas in connection with a plot to destabilize Jordan. The unconfirmed arrests are said to have taken place in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, including Ain el-Hilweh, Tyre, and Nahr al-Barad.
Jordanian authorities announced on Tuesday that they had foiled an extensive plan aimed at undermining national security and creating chaos within the country. Authorities said 16 suspects linked to Hamas were detained following a surveillance operation that started back in 2021. According to Jordanian television, the suspects were involved in manufacturing missiles and drones using locally sourced equipment and smuggled materials. Explosives were also found in their possession.
The plot reportedly involved efforts to recruit and train operatives both inside Jordan and abroad. “These individuals were gearing up for attacks that could have sparked internal unrest,” a Jordanian security source told Al-Hadath.
In a related development, Jordanian security forces arrested Khaled al-Johani, director of the Islamic Action Front’s office. Officers reportedly raided his home overnight, seized mobile phones, and briefly detained his sons, who were later released. The Islamic Action Front is the Jordanian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, which has strong links with Hamas, the Brotherhood’s Palestinian branch.
Tensions Rise in Jordan:
The arrests come at a time of heightened tensions in Jordan, where approximately 70% of the population is Palestinian. While Hamas enjoys wide popular support within the country, the terror group’s alliance with Iran has raised alarm bells in Amman.
Israeli officials have repeatedly warned of Iranian efforts to smuggle weapons and “terror enablers,” including cash, through Jordan to boost Palestinian terror groups operating in the West Bank.
A Reminder of the Ongoing Conflict:
The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. The potential for instability in Jordan, a key regional player, is a significant concern, particularly given the already fragile situation in the Palestinian territories.
The investigation into this alleged plot will be closely watched by regional and international observers as it could shed light on the extent of Hamas’s network and its potential reach. It also raises further questions about Iran’s influence in the region and the challenges faced by Jordan in maintaining security.
Keep an eye out for developments in this story.
