Undercover operation uncovers shocking weapons trafficking network between Jordan and Israel

This operation, carried out by the Israel Security Agency (ISA), Southern District Police Magen Unit, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), has uncovered significant infrastructure used by a network smuggling weapons from Jordan into Israel and subsequently to Judea and Samaria. The joint effort was the result of a detailed undercover investigation spanning several months.

Over the past two months, the investigation led to the arrest of nine Israeli Arabs from the Negev region, specifically from Bir Hadaj, and from Palestinian Authority-controlled areas. These individuals were found to be involved in a sophisticated smuggling operation that used vehicles to transport large quantities of arms across the Jordanian-Israeli border. The investigation revealed that these individuals were engaged in at least two major smuggling operations during the second half of 2024.

At the center of the operation was 28-year-old Foaz Altouhi, a resident of Bir Hadaj. Altouhi was identified as the leader of the smuggling ring and played a central role in coordinating the illegal activity. He paid tens of thousands of shekels to other members of the ring for their participation. In addition, Altouhi was found to be working with two other Israeli citizens, a father and son duo from the Negev, to facilitate the arms trade. Authorities also discovered that the ring had smuggled components of weapons, which were then sold to two suspects residing in both the Negev and Judea and Samaria. These transactions were facilitated by a suspect from Judea and Samaria.

As a result of the investigation, the members of the smuggling ring surrendered a significant cache of weapons, including 34 handguns and four rifles. This seizure represents only a portion of the arms illegally brought into Israel.

Recently, four indictments were filed against ten individuals involved in the smuggling operation. According to the charges, the suspects smuggled a considerable amount of weapons through the Israel-Jordan border in a highly organized manner. Some suspects were also accused of breaching the border fence, leaving it open to allow for unimpeded passage in exchange for monetary compensation. The charges levied against the suspects include arms dealing, possession and transfer of weapons, damaging IDF property, assisting in the illegal exit from Israel, and drug-related offenses.

This operation underscores the ongoing challenges Israeli authorities face in combatting arms smuggling and the use of sophisticated methods by criminal networks to bypass border security.