Tunnel Plot Foiled Near Jerusalem Security Barrier

Border Police forces operating in the Jerusalem envelope area prevented an attempted tunnel excavation near the security barrier at Qalandia on Monday night. Observation personnel at the Atarot command center identified several suspects digging a shaft close to the barrier's route and dispatched units to the scene.

As the forces approached, the suspects began fleeing. Border Police pursued them on foot, firing warning shots into the air during the chase. The pursuit ended with the arrest of a 36-year-old resident of the Qalandia refugee camp who was present in Israeli territory without legal authorization.

The suspect led the forces to the excavated shaft and during initial questioning claimed that the group had intended to dig a tunnel for the purpose of infiltrating into Israeli territory. At the site, investigators discovered digging tools and numerous buckets that were allegedly used in the excavation work.

This incident adds to a series of infiltration attempts and security operations in the Jerusalem envelope sector. A recent State Comptroller's report revealed that only 61% of the seam line route in the Jerusalem area is covered by a physical barrier, leaving 39% of the perimeter without any obstacle. The report noted that in the first quarter of 2023 alone, police documented over 2,400 Palestinians apprehended while attempting to cross illegally, suggesting the actual number of successful infiltrations was considerably higher. These findings raise serious concerns about significant security vulnerabilities in the sector.

The suspect, along with the evidence collected at the scene, was transferred for further investigation to the Border Police investigation and intelligence unit for the Jerusalem envelope. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities expect to make additional arrests of other suspects involved in the digging operation.

Police officials emphasized that Border Police forces in the Jerusalem envelope continue their operational activities with determination to thwart serious security violations and prevent situations that endanger public safety, utilizing advanced operational and intelligence capabilities.