Jerusalem, 15 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Border Police officers from the Jerusalem Envelope unit uncovered eight individuals who had entered Israel without permits hiding inside a fuel tanker at the Tunnels Checkpoint.
Located along Route 60 just south of Jerusalem—between the Israeli capital and the town of Beit Jala near Bethlehem—the Tunnels Checkpoint serves as a primary security crossing connecting southern West Bank communities with Jerusalem.
During a routine inspection, officers discovered the eight undocumented entrants concealed inside the commercial tanker alongside the driver, a resident of East Jerusalem.
All nine individuals were arrested and transferred to the Jerusalem District’s Moriah police station for questioning.
A local court subsequently ordered the driver’s detention extended until Monday, November 16, as authorities continue investigating the smuggling attempt.
