Police rule out terror after Route 1 closure, but 13 detained for illegally entering Israel

Several hours after a vehicle was detained by security forces on Route 1, the main highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Israel Police says it has ruled out the possibility that the car, and its driver, were connected to any terrorist activity.

Traffic was brought to a standstill earlier today as authorities working off an intelligence tip hunted down a suspected terror cell thought to be plotting an attack.

In a statement, the Israel Police says that while terrorist activity had been ruled out, 13 people were detained over the course of the investigation, as they are believed to have crossed into Israel illegally for work in the vehicle that was pulled over.

The suspects were located and taken for questioning, along with their employer, the police statement says.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.