The Israel Defense Forces arrested approximately 30 Palestinians suspected of facilitating smuggling operations that brought infiltrators into Israeli territory during a week-long operation in northern Samaria, military officials announced Tuesday.
The Ephraim Brigade conducted raids across villages near the Samaria security barrier, targeting infrastructure used for illegal crossings into pre-1967 Israeli borders. Operations focused on areas around Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Shuweika and adjacent Palestinian Authority communities.
The IDF characterized the operation as part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle smuggling networks, reduce unauthorized Green Line crossings and enhance security for Israeli residents in the region.
"The defense of the seam zone begins with initiative and offensive action," Said Col. P., commander of the Ephraim Brigade, referring to the territory along the Judea and Samaria security barrier. He noted that "a continuous presence deep inside the villages, targeted operations against infiltration infrastructure and sustained contact with the enemy generate high-quality intelligence, enable us to strike the enemy and thwart terrorist infrastructure."
Last year, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pressed for stricter enforcement against Israelis employing Palestinians illegally. His call came three days after a Palestinian infiltrator killed two Israeli civilians and wounded two others in attacks near Beit She'an.
"Do not employ illegal residents," Smotrich said. "This is the murder of Jews."
He urged coordinated state-level action: "This is partly the IDF, but mainly the Israel Police, regarding the phenomenon of illegal residents. All of these measures together reduce the risks," He said.