Police Seize Vehicles Used in Drone Smuggling to Gaza

Israeli police said on Wednesday that they confiscated property used in a drone-based smuggling network that had been operating into the Gaza Strip since the start of the year. The operation was carried out jointly with the Southern District Police investigative unit and the National Headquarters for Counter-Terror Financing, or MATAL, in the Defense Ministry.

This is described as the first enforcement action of its kind in the drone arena. Based on precise intelligence and evidence gathered by police, Defense Minister Israel Katz imposed financial sanctions on the people involved, even though the vehicle owners, residents of the Bedouin diaspora, were not caught in the act.

The aim of the move, officials said, is to strike at the economic infrastructure supporting the smuggling activity, disrupt those involved, and strengthen deterrence against anyone helping terror groups in Gaza grow stronger. Katz said, "Anyone who smuggles weapons, equipment or funds to terror organizations in Gaza is part of the terror apparatus itself and will pay a heavy price."

Southern District Police Commander Cmdr. Shimon Portal said the measure adds an important enforcement tool against smuggling networks. He said police are working not only through operational and intelligence activity on the ground, but also by targeting the financial capability of those involved to disrupt their operations, deter others, and prevent the further buildup of terror organizations in the Gaza Strip.