Tunnel Near Jerusalem Uncovered; Two Palestinians Arrested

(Photo: Police Spokesperson)

Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in digging a tunnel uncovered near the a-Zaim crossing, east of Jerusalem. According to a police statement released today (Wednesday), the tunnel was dug from the direction of the territories toward Israeli territory. After it was discovered, an investigation was opened, and by its conclusion two suspects were located and arrested — a Palestinian resident of al-Eizariya and a resident of East Jerusalem, both in their 30s.

The investigation began after the Civil Administration identified the tunnel and reported it to security forces. According to the initial findings, this was a tunnel dug to a depth of about 25 meters. Following the report, forces from the Judea and Samaria District and Border Police fighters from the Jerusalem envelope arrived at the scene, conducted searches, and collected findings from the area.

During the operation, digging tools, water bottles, gloves, face masks, and additional equipment were found at the scene, which according to suspicion had been used by those involved in digging the tunnel. At the same time, forensic investigators from the Judea and Samaria District began collecting evidence and examining the findings discovered at the site.

Police said that as part of the investigation, various forensic findings were collected, including DNA samples. These findings helped investigators track down the identities of the suspects and led to their arrest. In the early morning hours, the two were arrested in a joint operation by Border Police fighters in Judea and Samaria and officers from the Jerusalem District, and were then transferred for questioning.

At this stage, investigators are examining the suspicion that the tunnel was dug in recent months and was intended to be used to carry out security-related offenses. Among other possibilities under review is that the infrastructure was meant to facilitate terror activity, as well as the entry of illegal residents into Israeli territory.

The commander of the central unit in the Judea and Samaria District, Superintendent Moshe Cohen, addressed the findings of the investigation: "The exposure of the tunnel and the arrest of the suspects illustrate the determination and the operational and investigative capabilities of the Judea and Samaria District in thwarting security threats before they are realized."

Cohen added that "this is infrastructure that, according to suspicion, was intended to be used for terror activity and for smuggling illegal residents into the country." In his words, "the police will continue to act with zero tolerance against any attempt to harm the security of Israel's civilians."

המנהרה שאותרה (צילום: דוברות המשטרה)