The Islamic Resistance in Jordan: A New Front in the Region, its Implications and Challenges

The Islamic Resistance in Jordan (المقاومة الإسلامية في الأردن) has established itself as a clandestine militant organization operating within the Hashemite Kingdom, backed by Kataib Hezbollah since April 2024. Its emergence, in the context of a turbulent Middle East, not only adds a new layer of complexity to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but also reflects the growing influence of Iran and its allies in the region.

The catalyst for the formation of the Islamic Resistance in Jordan is attributed to the Israeli air strike against the Iranian consulate in Damascus. This incident, which resulted in the death of IRGC commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi, unleashed a wave of outrage and led Abu Ali al-Askari, a key figure in Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq, to offer his support for the creation of a resistance force in Jordan. The promise to arm 12,000 fighters and provide them with the means to «defend the Palestinians and avenge the honor of Muslims» underscores the central agenda of this group: to confront Israel and protect the Palestinian population.

Actions on the Ground

Since its appearance, the Islamic Resistance in Jordan has been linked to several acts of violence, which has raised alarms in the region.

• Attack on the Allenby Bridge (September 8, 2024): This incident, in which a Jordanian truck driver perpetrated an attack on the border crossing, killing three Israeli civilians, marked a turning point. Kata’ib Hezbollah’s quick congratulation to the Islamic Resistance in Jordan for this action confirmed the connection between the two groups and the growing audacity of the Jordanian organization.
• Infiltration in Neot Hakikar (October 8, 2024): The infiltration of militants into Israeli territory and their subsequent attack on Israeli troops demonstrated the ability of the Islamic Resistance in Jordan to carry out operations beyond Jordanian borders.

Profound Political and Regional Implications:

The Islamic Resistance in Jordan is part of a broader strategy of the so-called «Axis of Resistance,» led by Iran. This axis seeks to expand its influence in the region, using Jordan as a platform to destabilize Israel and support Palestinian factions in the West Bank.

This situation raises serious questions about the future of Jordan as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and about the stability of the region as a whole. The presence of an active militant group in Jordan, with links to Iran, could alter the balance of power and generate an escalation of violence.

Internal and External Reactions

The reaction to the emergence of the Islamic Resistance in Jordan has been diverse. Internally, the Jordanian government faces the challenge of maintaining order and preventing the country from becoming a battlefield. The ban on the Muslim Brotherhood in April 2025, following an alleged sabotage plot, reflects the government’s concern about the increase in radicalization and instability.

At the regional and international level, the international community is cautiously observing the evolution of events. Western powers, in particular the United States, have expressed concern about Iran’s influence in Jordan and have urged the Jordanian government to take measures to counter the threat.

Challenges and Perspectives

The Islamic Resistance in Jordan presents a series of challenges for the region and for the international community.

• The risk of an escalation of violence: The actions of the Islamic Resistance in Jordan could trigger an escalation of violence between Israel and Jordan, as well as between Israel and Palestinian factions.
• The threat to the stability of Jordan: The presence of an active militant group in Jordan could destabilize the country and undermine the authority of the government.
• The increase of Iran’s influence: The Islamic Resistance in Jordan is an instrument of Iran’s regional policy, which seeks to increase its influence in the Middle East.

The future of the Islamic Resistance in Jordan and its impact on the region will depend on a number of factors, including the evolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s regional policy and the ability of the Jordanian government to maintain control of the situation.

In conclusion, the Islamic Resistance in Jordan represents a new and dangerous actor in the already complex scene of the Middle East. Its presence poses significant challenges to the stability of the region and to the international community.