Smugglers in the Crosshairs: IDF Arrests About 30 Suspects in Night Raid on Seam Zone Villages

The IDF arrested about 30 suspects in a large-scale night raid on seam zone villages, in an operation by the Ephraim Brigade in Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and other villages. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of smuggling illegal residents and aiding infiltrations. The operation aimed to disrupt the infiltration infrastructure and strengthen the seam line.

The IDF arrested about 30 suspects in a large-scale night raid on seam zone villages, in an operation by the Ephraim Brigade. Forces operated simultaneously in Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and other villages, scanning dozens of targets and arresting suspects for smuggling illegal residents and aiding infiltrations. The operation aimed to disrupt the infrastructure enabling infiltrations and strengthen the seam line. The IDF noted that the activity is part of an ongoing operational effort to thwart infiltration infrastructure, reduce illegal presence, and enhance the security of area residents. Additionally, the Panther Battalion was established—a dedicated regional battalion specializing in operations in the seam zone, along with a seam intelligence cell in the Ephraim Brigade that centralizes information on infiltrations. The IDF emphasized the operational complexity of the seam zone and the continuous activity to detect, prevent, and thwart infiltration attempts.