Israel releases Jordanian member of parliament who was accused of gun smuggling

Imad al-Adwan, a Jordanian lawmaker suspected of bringing weapons into the nation through the Allenby crossing, was freed by Israel on Sunday.

Al-Adwan attempted to utilize diplomatic immunity to cross without being stopped by customs but was caught with a massive cache of weapons and gold bars. Numerous different handguns and M-16 rifles were present.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, criticized the release, saying that it was “a strategic and moral mistake” to free the terrorist who attempted to bring in hundreds of weapons that would be used for terrorist acts and criminal activity in the center of the State of Israel.

“This issue should have also been brought up in the cabinet, and this right-wing government is expected to stop the policy of no deterrence for Gaza, the Jordanians, the Lebanese, and any terrorist who seeks to harm the residents of Israel.”

According to Ben-Gvir, “This diplomat should have been imprisoned for many years and not released.”

Two weeks ago, Al-Adwan was suspected of attempting to smuggle weapons and gold into Israel. Israeli investigators allegedly found three suitcases in his car, including 12 assault guns, 270 medium and small arms, and 100 kilos (220 pounds) of gold, totaling about $6.6 million.

Investigation results showed that Al-Adwan had used his diplomatic passport to successfully import 12 illegal substances into Israeli territory since 2022.

He was primarily engaged in smuggling guns in recent months. The Shin Bet asserts that his desire to make money was his driving force.

According to reports, the examination wasn’t originally planned to be done. But an insider tip allowed Israeli border officials to undertake the inspection and ultimately find the contraband.

While conducting his investigation in Israel, Jordanian security officers detained many individuals involved in the smuggling effort there.

The Jordanian ambassador to Israel paid the member of parliament a visit on Friday, during which time he attested to his excellent health.

The detainee was under intense pressure to be released as part of diplomatic agreements between the two nations. Israel maintained its demand to be guaranteed that he would suffer a harsh punishment in Jordan.