Two Palestinians Arrested Over Suspected Tunnel Near Jerusalem Crossing

Police said Wednesday morning that a tunnel discovered near the Az-Za'im crossing in the Jerusalem area is suspected of being intended for security offenses and for bringing in illegal residents. Two Palestinian men, one from Al-Eizariya and one East Jerusalem resident, both in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of digging the tunnel and carrying out terror-related activity.

According to police, the Civil Administration first reported the tunnel, prompting officers from the Judea and Samaria District and Border Police units protecting Jerusalem’s perimeter to rush to the site. They found a tunnel dug from the West Bank side toward Israeli territory, reaching a depth of about 25 meters.

The forces also seized digging tools, water bottles, gloves, face masks, and additional equipment. Forensic investigators from the Judea and Samaria District began collecting evidence and findings, including DNA material that helped identify the two suspects.

Before dawn, the two men were detained in an operation by the minority crimes unit in the Judea and Samaria district investigative unit, together with Border Police troops in the West Bank and Jerusalem District police, and were taken for questioning.