Israeli security officials want to build a fence along the Jordanian border, the AFP reported. Jordan is currently the only country bordering Israel without a barrier.
The officials said the fence would protect a new airport and prevent jihadists from entering Israel. An army spokeswoman said, "security officials recommended the construction of a security barrier to protect the new airport which will be built at Timna," a city near the Jordanian border.
Israel-based Haaretz Newspaper reported fears that the growing number of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Jordan could pose a threat to Israel if jihadists slipped through. They noted, however, that "a senior officer said he knew of no specific activity in Jordan by the Islamic State."
The Israeli government has not yet approved the construction of the fence. The project would cost nearly $500 million. A decision is not expected before the parliamentary election on Tuesday.
A barrier was built along the Egyptian border in 2013, and the Syrian border after the start of the civil war.
