Police in Israel's Judea and Samaria District, together with Border Police troops from the Jerusalem area, were recently sent to the Az-Za'im crossing in East Jerusalem after the Civil Administration reported a suspected tunnel there. Officers say they found a tunnel dug from the Palestinian areas toward Israeli territory, reaching a depth of 25 meters.
During the search, police seized digging tools, water bottles, gloves, face masks and additional equipment. After the tunnel was located, forensic investigators from the Judea and Samaria District began collecting evidence and materials at the scene.
The investigation produced forensic findings, including DNA, which led investigators to identify two suspects, a Palestinian resident of al-Eizariya and a resident of East Jerusalem, both in their 30s. On Wednesday morning, members of the Minorities Unit of the Judea and Samaria District's special investigations unit, along with Border Police in Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem District officers, arrested the two and took them in for questioning.
Police are examining whether the tunnel was dug recently and intended for security offenses, including terrorist activity and the illegal entry of undocumented workers into Israel. Judea and Samaria District special investigations commander Supt. Moshe, also known as Muzi, Cohen said the tunnel's exposure and the arrests show the district's determination and operational and investigative capabilities in stopping threats before they materialize. He added that the force will continue to act with zero tolerance against any attempt to harm Israel's security.
