Two Suspects Held After Attempted Smuggling of About 90 Protected Birds

Two men were arrested on Israel’s eastern border after police and Israel Nature and Parks Authority inspectors foiled an alleged wildlife-smuggling attempt. The operation was carried out by Beit HaBaqa station officers from the Gilad district as part of a planned effort to stop smuggling and other offenses that harm protected nature values.

Authorities said roughly 90 special birds of different species were found and seized during the operation. According to suspicion, the birds had been collected for an attempt to bring them into Israel illegally.

The suspects are residents of Hebron in their 20s. They were detained and questioned on suspicion of smuggling protected natural assets, then placed in custody. On Thursday, they were brought before a court, which extended their detention until today.

Police said they will continue working with all enforcement bodies against animal smuggling, especially of rare and protected birds, because of the damage to nature, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. They added that the eastern border has recently seen other interdictions, including suspected narcotics and dozens of weapons.