YONI BEN MENACHEM -- According to senior Jordanian officials cited by Asharq Al-Awsat, 16 individuals recently arrested in Jordan were affiliated with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Following the uncovering of this terror cell, Jordan reportedly plans a “strategic shift” in how it deals with the Muslim Brotherhood.
Officials said that separating the Brotherhood from its political wing—the Islamic Action Front, which holds 31 seats in parliament—has become essential for upholding the rule of law equally for all citizens.
Jordan's General Intelligence Directorate revealed that the suspects had been under surveillance since 2021 and were involved in a plan to destabilize the kingdom. The arrests foiled operations involving rocket manufacturing, arms trafficking, drone development, and training militants both inside and outside Jordan.
A senior political source confirmed that the kingdom is reassessing its stance on the Brotherhood, which has operated despite its illegal status. The investigation found explosive materials in homes, pointing to the existence of armed militias threatening national and regional security.
Jordanian authorities stressed that although the public views Israel as an enemy, the official stance remains committed to the 1994 peace treaty. Amman is concerned Israel might label Jordan a security threat and use it to justify military actions in the West Bank—an outcome Jordan strongly opposes.
Sources said that while the terror cells began operating in May 2021—unrelated to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack—Muslim Brotherhood leaders had received directives and funding from foreign actors. These cells reportedly trained in southern Lebanon, indicating ties with Hezbollah and Hamas leadership.
Some evidence also points to Iranian financial support, consistent with Tehran’s efforts to activate an “eastern front” against Israel.
King Abdullah warned in February that certain Jordanians were acting on foreign orders and should be ashamed. Israeli security sources claim Iran, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood are behind the cell, aiming to destabilize the monarchy and open a new front against Israel.
These sources praised Jordanian intelligence and Abdullah’s firm stance on preventing Iran or its proxies from launching attacks on Israel from Jordanian territory. They anticipate Jordan will soon outlaw any political party linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, including the Islamic Action Front.