Ramadan raids: Border Police arrest hundreds of illegal infiltrators in days

This crackdown, reported on March 9, 2025, underscores a robust response to unauthorized border crossings amid heightened security concerns during the Muslim holy month, which began the previous week. The figures reflect a concentrated effort by law enforcement to curb illegal infiltration across Israel’s frontiers.

In the Jerusalem envelope area alone, authorities detained 220 of these infiltrators, highlighting a significant focus on this region. The Border Police have employed a combination of intelligence-driven tactics and cutting-edge technology to bolster their operations. These advanced operational methods are being deployed across multiple zones to preempt border breaches, track down infiltrators within Israeli territory, and apprehend those complicit in their activities—whether by driving them across borders, providing jobs, or offering shelter. The scale of the arrests points to a well-coordinated campaign targeting both the infiltrators and their support networks.

The Border Police Investigations and Intelligence Department is spearheading the effort, orchestrating investigations into how these illegal entries occur and who enables them. This centralized coordination ensures a systematic approach, leveraging data and field operations to dismantle the infrastructure that sustains such activities. The arrests of 78 suspects involved in transporting, employing, or housing infiltrators signal a broader strategy to disrupt the logistics behind illegal border crossings, not just the crossings themselves.

This surge in apprehensions since Ramadan began reflects Israel’s ongoing security challenges, particularly during periods of religious significance that can complicate border dynamics. The Border Police’s use of sophisticated tools and intelligence underscores a proactive stance, aiming to maintain control amid a fluid situation. As the holy month progresses, these efforts are likely to remain a priority, with authorities vigilant against further infiltration attempts and their facilitators.