In a major operation early this week (Sunday), Border Police forces in southern Israel, working with the police air unit and the IDF, arrested 13 illegal residents and two suspects who drove them. The arrests came after the group crossed the border fence in the south, part of security forces’ ongoing fight against infiltration and smuggling.
The joint operation began at nightfall, with forces deployed along the border fence conducting ground and air patrols with the help of a police helicopter. During the operation, forces spotted the suspects crossing the fence and running toward two vehicles waiting nearby to smuggle them into Israeli territory.
Once the suspects were identified, the forces moved to stop the vehicles. The drivers tried to flee, but after a short chase they were blocked and arrested. At the same time, the illegal residents tried to escape on foot into open terrain, but after extensive searches all the suspects were located and arrested by the forces.
All those arrested—13 illegal residents and the two drivers—were transferred to Israel Police for further investigation. The two vehicles used in the smuggling operation were seized and are expected to undergo confiscation proceedings. Border Police emphasized they will continue to act decisively to prevent illegal infiltrations and strengthen security for communities across the country.