Police arrest 14 connected to West Bank smuggling network

A joint operation by Israeli security forces has led to the arrest of 14 individuals suspected of operating a smuggling network that supplied materials for manufacturing explosive devices in the West Bank. The operation, a collaboration between Border Police, IDF intelligence units, and the Shin Bet, aimed to counter a rising threat of explosives causing casualties among Israeli forces.

The investigation, spanning several months and led by the Border Police Investigations Division and the Tax Authority, exposed a network allegedly smuggling dual-use materials into the West Bank. According to a statement from the Israel Police spokesperson, an Israeli citizen working with Palestinians is suspected of facilitating these smuggled goods, which were then used by terrorist organizations.

During the operation, authorities seized approximately 175 kg of materials believed to be used for manufacturing explosive devices. The suspects are also accused of not fully reporting the income generated from these activities to tax authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and police anticipate further arrests as the probe develops.