Tunnel Found Near Jerusalem Border Barrier, Authorities Arrest Suspect

Israeli security forces discovered a tunnel nearing completion approximately two weeks ago, located near the separation barrier close to the settlements of Giva'on and Givat Ze'ev, west of Jerusalem. The tunnel's entrance was concealed within an old, dry water cistern near the Palestinian village of al-Jib. Border Police (Magav) officers and IDF soldiers sealed the tunnel on Wednesday.

Intelligence gathering and operational activity led to the tunnel's discovery on August 28. Shortly after, Magav forces observing the area apprehended a suspect carrying digging tools. Superintendent Eliyahu Tobol, commander of the northern battalion of Magav's Jerusalem Envelope division, stated that such infiltrators could be terrorists planning attacks within Israel. He noted this is not an isolated incident, recalling previous discoveries of tunnels dug from sewage pits and instances of arrests during excavation near the barrier.

In the most recent case, suspects utilized the dry water cistern for their digging operation. Following surveillance and intelligence work, a young man was observed and arrested while actively digging. Investigations revealed the tunnel was advanced, reaching within five meters of the barrier from the Palestinian side. Tobol emphasized that such tunnels can be used for infiltration, smuggling weapons, and are driven by financial motives, with Palestinian laborers paying significant sums to facilitators for passage into Israel.

Since October 7, Palestinian worker movement into Israel has been severely restricted. Tobol explained that smugglers are actively seeking alternative methods, including tunnels, to bypass checkpoints. He highlighted the constant vigilance of Magav forces, employing ground patrols, cameras, and drones to detect tunnel digging activities. Tobol concluded that previous methods of crossing the barrier have been largely thwarted, forcing smugglers to seek new routes like tunnels.