Officers Detain 14 Linked to West Bank Smuggling Operation

Probe reveals Israeli national collaborating with Palestinians to traffic dual-purpose goods valued at millions of shekels for potential bomb-making.

Israeli Border Police officers and security forces operate near the Israeli separation barrier adjacent to the Palestinian neighborhood of Kafr Aqab, in the West Bank, June 22, 2026.

(photo credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)

ByESTHER DAVIS

JULY 14, 2026 06:43

Updated: JULY 14, 2026 06:46

Fourteen individuals were detained after authorities exposed a smuggling operation suspected of supplying materials for explosive devices used by terrorist groups in the West Bank on Monday.

A coordinated effort involving Border Police, IDF intelligence units, and the Shin Bet uncovered the network accused of moving dual-use items to terrorist organizations, per a statement from the Israel Police spokesperson.

The secret probe, directed by the Border Police Investigations Division and the Tax Authority, spanned multiple months.

It began amid growing concerns over explosive devices in the West Bank that had injured and killed IDF and Border Police personnel, according to the statement.

Investigators determined that an Israeli citizen, alongside several Palestinians, reportedly moved dual-use materials worth millions of shekels into the West Bank.

Authorities Seize at Least 175 kg of Explosive Materials

The suspects failed to declare the full income to tax officials, and the materials reportedly reached terrorist groups for use in building explosive devices.

Eight suspects connected to the case were detained at first. In the public phase of the operation, six more suspects were taken into custody.

During the action, roughly 175 kg of items suspected for explosive device production were confiscated.

The probe continues, with more detentions anticipated based on new findings.