The Israeli army announced that forces from the Efraim Brigade, during a large-scale operation in villages located along the border of the separation barrier, arrested about 30 people wanted in connection with alleged involvement in human trafficking and assistance in illegal entry into Israeli territory.

The operation was carried out this week in areas including Tulkarm, Qalqilya, ‘Azun ‘Atma, Shuweika, and several other villages. During the course of this operation, Israeli army forces searched dozens of locations and arrested a number of individuals suspected of cooperating with smuggling networks and facilitating illegal entry.

The Israeli army said the operation is part of the ongoing efforts of the Efraim Brigade to identify and neutralize infrastructure related to illegal infiltration, reduce illegal stays, and strengthen the security of residents of border areas and within Israel’s territorial depth.

The commander of the Efraim Brigade also emphasized that defending the barrier area is carried out with initiative, through a continuous presence in the villages, and through targeted action against infrastructure for illegal infiltration.