Israeli Forces Uncover Terror Tunnel Near Jerusalem Checkpoint, Arrest Two Suspects

by | Jun 25, 2026 | News

Israeli security forces have discovered a tunnel near the A-Za’im crossing east of Jerusalem and arrested two suspects, in what police describe as the thwarting of infrastructure intended for terrorist activity.

The A-Za’im checkpoint is a major security crossing connecting Jerusalem with Judea and Samaria and the city of Ma’ale Adumim. According to the Israel Border Police, the investigation began after the Civil Administration reported signs of a tunnel in the area. Officers from the Judea and Samaria District, together with Border Police personnel from the Jerusalem envelope unit, arrived at the scene and located the shaft, which had been excavated to a depth of roughly 25 meters, about 82 feet, and dug from the direction of the West Bank toward Israeli territory.

Security forces recovered digging equipment, water bottles, gloves, face masks, and additional items from the site. Forensic investigators collected evidence, including DNA samples, which police said led to the identification of the two suspects. Authorities identified them as a Palestinian Authority resident of al-Eizariya and a resident of Jerusalem, both arrested early Wednesday.

Police said they believe the tunnel was recently excavated and was intended to be used to carry out terror attacks and to smuggle Palestinians into Israel.

Chief Superintendent Moshe “Muzi” Cohen, a commander in the Judea and Samaria District, said the discovery and the arrests demonstrated the determination and the operational and investigative capabilities of his district in thwarting security threats before they materialize. He added that the infrastructure was allegedly meant for terrorist activity and for smuggling illegal infiltrators into the country, and pledged that police would continue to act with zero tolerance against any attempt to harm the security of Israel’s citizens.

The find renews longstanding concerns about gaps in the West Bank security barrier, which over the years has been breached at weak points by both attackers and laborers seeking to enter Israel. While most documented breaches have involved climbing over or going around the barrier, a tunnel dug to such a depth points to a more deliberate and resource-intensive effort. The investigation remains ongoing.

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