In the days leading up to the deadly attack at Allenby Bridge, workers had alerted authorities to insufficient security measures and threats against their safety. The Customs Authority at Allenby Bridge reported that a week before the attack, the ISA had flagged concerns about inadequate security arrangements and risks to Israeli personnel stationed there.
According to the report, customs officers had complained about the lack of computerized security scanners, with all procedures being conducted manually, which complicated their tasks.
Yoni Hametz, chairman of the Allenby Crossing Workers' Committee, had sent a letter to Shai Aharonovitz, director of the Tax Authority, detailing the challenges faced by customs officers, including rampant smuggling of goods and weapons.
Kan reports that the Customs Authority’s chairman warned of both physical and verbal violence against the workers, along with specific and immediate threats to their lives. "Although the crossing is guarded by police who perform their duties diligently, their presence is not constant, and their absence is deeply felt," he wrote. The workers had requested enhanced security measures, but their concerns went unaddressed.
A week later, Doron Shazo, chairman of the National Customs Workers' Committee, sent a second letter condemning the dangerous conditions faced by customs workers, stating that it was unacceptable for them to be at risk simply because of their employment.
"The notion of turning turnstile operators into security guards for the threatened workers is not a viable solution. The situation is critical, particularly during this sensitive period," wrote Shazo.
In response, the Israel Tax Authority said: "We do not comment on intelligence information or security measures. However, we emphasize that any threats to employee safety and human life are taken very seriously. It should be noted that there is no link between the tragic incident at Allenby Bridge and the concerns previously raised."
Meanwhile, on Monday night, 77 Glock pistols were seized from a vehicle crossing the Jordanian border. The seizure occurred while border crossings were closed, and the two suspects, aged 19 and 22 from the Bedouin sector, were arrested and are currently being questioned.