Weapons Cache Meant for Attacks Found at Bottom of Water Cistern Near Jerusalem

Border Police forces uncovered an artificial water cistern in the Palestinian village of Al-Jib, near Givat Ze'ev, and found dozens of firearms and other weapons hidden at the bottom. According to the suspicion, the cache was intended for serious terror attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and officials said it posed a real threat to residents. The discovery was reported on Friday.

The northern Jerusalem Border Police battalion, under the command of Lt. Col. Eli Toubol, identified a clue to the site several days earlier. Officers then carried out a prolonged investigation and kept the area under constant surveillance for days, around the clock, to see whether suspects would arrive or try to retrieve the hidden weapons. Police even entered the water and attempted to dive to the cistern floor.

It quickly became clear that the cistern was deeper and more complicated than first thought, and the forces on site could not reach the bottom with their own equipment. Fire and rescue crews were brought in and pumped out about 100 cubic meters of water. At the same time, a professional diver was called to the scene and made several difficult dives.

After extensive effort, the diver reached the bottom and recovered all of the weapons hidden there. The arms had been sealed in airtight bags, apparently to keep water out and preserve them, and maintenance equipment including dedicated lubricants was also found. Investigators believe the weapons were placed in the cistern only days before they were discovered.