Indictments to be Filed Today
The suspects, residents of Hebron, were found unlawfully present in Israel and were arrested by the police. Some were discovered in the vehicle of an East Jerusalem resident, who was also detained.
Legal proceedings are expected to be initiated against the vehicle of someone who assisted them. These proceedings could potentially lead to the complete forfeiture of the vehicle to the state or its prolonged impoundment, particularly in cases with severe security implications. Additionally, if the transportation of the illegal workers reaches court, the vehicle owner could face heavy fines, sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of shekels.
Identification and Arrest of the Suspects
The illegal workers were discovered during a patrol by officers from the Harel station in Mevasseret Zion. A passing vehicle raised their suspicion, leading to its inspection, where they found residents of Hebron who had entered the country unlawfully.
Further inspections led to the identification of additional illegal workers at a construction site in the same area. All the suspects were taken into custody, and a hearing was held in court yesterday to extend their detention until the conclusion of the legal process.
“Knock on the Door” Operation
This arrest follows the recent “Knock on the Door” operation, during which no fewer than 17 illegal workers were apprehended in Beit Shemesh last month, alongside dozens more across Judea and Samaria. The operation targets illegal workers and those who aid them.
Police emphasized that illegal workers are often involved in criminal or security-related activities. A statement noted: “Police enforcement efforts against illegal residents occur year-round, particularly during this time when Israel is at war, all in the name of ensuring public safety and security.”
