Israeli Border Police Arrest Two Attempting to Tunnel Under West Bank Barrier Near Jerusalem

Israeli Border Police (Magav) officers operating near the Jerusalem envelope thwarted an unusual attempt by two Arab suspects from the West Bank village of Kafr Aqab to tunnel under the separation barrier. The incident occurred during routine patrols along the seam line in northern Jerusalem, where the suspects were caught using advanced electric digging tools to create a passage beneath the barrier. Upon spotting the suspects, the officers pursued them into Kafr Aqab, where the two tried to flee but were apprehended inside a nearby residential building.

The police seized the equipment used in the attempt, including a large drill and long electric cables, indicating premeditation and a clear intent to breach the barrier. The suspects were taken for further investigation by the Border Police's Judea and Samaria unit. Authorities are examining whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader operation.

This event follows a series of infiltration attempts in the Jerusalem area, including a recent foiled tunnel excavation near the Qalandiya checkpoint, where a 36-year-old suspect was arrested after a chase. A recent State Comptroller report revealed that only 61% of the seam line around Jerusalem is covered by physical barriers, with 39% left unprotected. The report also noted over 2,400 Palestinian infiltration attempts in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

The Border Police emphasize their ongoing intensive operational and intelligence efforts to prevent breaches and maintain security along the seam line in the Jerusalem area.