Smuggling

Syrian-Lebanese border closed after IDF issues evacuation notice - report

The IDF announcement stated that the intended airstrikes were due to Hezbollah's use of the crossing "for military purposes and for smuggling means of combat."

Members of the Syrian military police gather outside al-Aqtan prison, where some Islamic State detainees are held, in Raqqa, Syria January 22, 2026.
DEFENSE MINISTER Marhaf Abu Qasra inspects an armored brigade in the Syrian Army, March 31.

Cross-border tunnels spotlight Syria-Lebanon smuggling, security tensions

Soldiers from the IDF's 7th Armored Brigade operating in the Gaza Strip, January 14, 2026; illustrative.

WATCH: IDF continues counterterrorism ops. in Gaza Strip, including destroying terror tunnels

Coins seized by Border Police from vehicle of Palestinian doctor after attempted smuggling into Israel, March 23, 2026.

Palestinian doctor arrested for smuggling Second Temple-period coins from West Bank to Jerusalem


IDF, police intercept drone carrying 12 pistols from Jordan

A drone smuggling 12 pistols from Jordan was intercepted overnight by IDF soldiers and Border Police officers on Sunday night, according to a joint statement.

IDF, Israel Police seize 12 pistols after intercepting a drone attempting to smuggle the guns over the Jordan border, February 8, 2026.

Iran's IRGC seizes two vessels in Persian Gulf, Elias Rodriguez indicted

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

Iranian parliament members chant in support of the IRGC while wearing military uniforms in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2026.

Shin Bet chief's brother indicted for aiding Hamas during wartime in Gaza smuggling case

Zini, along with others, was charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, prohibited dealings in property for terror purposes, obtaining something by aggravated fraud, and accepting bribes.

Bezalel Zini, accused of smuggling cigarettes into the Gaza Strip, is seen on a screen at the Beersheba District Court, February 5, 2026

'Systematic, sophisticated operation': How millions of goods were smuggled into Gaza - explainer

According to the Southern District Attorney’s Office, this was an “organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation of various goods into the Gaza Strip in exchange for financial gain.”

Two suspects arrested after smuggling 80,000 cigarettes disguised as tissues.

Cost of cigarettes in Gaza skyrockets to NIS 100 amid smuggling operation scandal - report

"Sometimes the cost reaches thousands of shekels," a source told Walla, explaining that the skyrocketing cost is due to decreased supply and high demand. 

 CIGARETTES ON display at a convenience store in Safed carry warnings that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke and other harm to smokers and their children.

Millions given to Gaza, Hamas: Twelve indicted in Gaza smuggling operation

The accused are believed to have been responsible for smuggling millions of shekels' worth of goods into Gaza for Hamas, both while the Gaza war was still ongoing and after the ceasefire began. 

HUNDREDS OF packets of cigarettes being smuggled.

Brother of Shin Bet chief David Zini suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza

David Zini's father, Rabbi Yosef Zini, claimed that authorities' true target is not brother Bezalel, but the Shin Bet chief himself: "Most of the public understands this well."

Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026.

IDF to increase Gaza border security due to smuggling risks

IDF officials identified Hamas’s struggle in Gaza, after more than two years of war have left it without stocks of standard explosives, to obtain weapons as well as additional equipment.

Israeli Authorities Probe Large-Scale Smuggling Network Moving Goods Into Gaza

Police seize hundreds of ancient, counterfeit coins in east Jerusalem antiquities raid

The collection, hidden in a flowerpot on the suspect's balcony, included coins from the Hasmonean, Herodian, and Roman periods, the IAA said.

Ancient and counterfeit coins seized by Israel Antiquities Authority in East Jeruusalem raid, February 2, 2026.

Why the Rafah crossing reopening is a critical test for Gaza’s ceasefire - analysis

“After months of a ceasefire and demands from humanitarian organizations to open it without obstacles, Israel will beginthe process of partially reopening the Rafah crossing," Al-Ain media reported.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, August 13, 2025.