Thirty wanted individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling of illegal immigrants into Israeli territory were arrested during large-scale IDF operations in the West Bank on Sunday.
According to the IDF, dozens of locations across Tulkarm, Kalkilya, Shweika, and other villages were searched as the military works to combat the infiltration of illegal immigrants and strengthen Israeli national security.
Ephraim Brigade Commander, Col. P., stated that offensive operations targeting immigrant smuggling rings are key for defending Israel and potential terrorist attacks.
Eleven illegal immigrants arrested during smuggling attempt
Also on Sunday, 11 illegal immigrants were arrested after attempting to enter Israeli territory by breaching a border checkpoint on the perimeter of Jerusalem.
According to Israel Police, the illegal immigrants were traveling from the West Bank in a car with an Israeli license plate. The vehicle’s driver did not comply with instructions from Border Guard officers to stop and tried to drive through the checkpoint before hitting an object.
The driver, who was already known to police, then escaped. Police stated that a manhunt was initiated to locate him.
The illegal immigrants the driver was trying to smuggle were arrested and transferred for questioning by Israel Police.
