Smuggling

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

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

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

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

 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.

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


Israel Katz tells JD Vance that over 60% of Hamas tunnels left undestroyed

Defense Minister Israel Katz added that demolishing the tunnels is the most important joint mission in demobilizing Gaza in accordance with Trump's ceasefire plan.

An Israeli soldier secures a tunnel underneath Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, in Northern Gaza Strip, November 22, 2023.

US military strikes suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific ocean

US strikes in the Pacific killed five alleged smugglers, expanding Trump’s counter-narcotics campaign and sparking outrage from Colombia over legality.

Drugs interdicted in the Caribbean Sea by US, Dutch, and Canadian vessels are seen on the US Coast Guard Cutter Valiant in Miami Beach, Florida, US March 6, 2025.

Mexico's cartels exploit loopholes in US energy business for fuel smuggling

Cartel-linked smugglers are moving cut-rate diesel from the US into Mexico using falsified customs records, fake companies, and tanker ships disguised as legitimate trade.

Members of Mexico's National Guard patrol along the primary fence on the Mexico-US border, in Tijuana

IDF catches weapons smugglers in Hermon after residents report Lebanese citizens approach border

The suspects tried to smuggle grenades, guns, anti-tank rockets, and ammunition. They were taken to questioning, and the weapons were confiscated. 

 IDF troops operate in the Syrian area of Mount Hermon. December 8, 2024.

As Gaza war looms, Israel faces impending crisis on Egyptian border and the West Bank - analysis

The West Bank and the Egyptian border have the potential to boil over if certain threats are not addressed - and the issues are different in each place.

 Israeli security forces seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, February 25, 2025.

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

The two suspects, 31 and 32 years old, reportedly smuggled the cigarettes from Dubai, evading taxes estimated at about NIS 20 million.

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

Solar panels and cellphones among smuggled goods seized from Gaza aid trucks - Army Radio

According to the Army Radio, preventing smuggling through humanitarian aid deliveries falls to multiple agencies, which include the IDF, COGAT, the Shin Bet, and border customs.

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.

Syria says Israel takes some territory around Mount Hermon despite talks

Syria accuses Israel of sending 60 soldiers to Mount Hermon, violating its sovereignty and escalating regional tensions. The incident comes amid ongoing US-mediated talks on southern Syria.

AN IDF APC enters Syria at the ceasefire line (illustrative).

IDF must reconsider its approach to Lebanese army, as Hezbollah infiltration revealed - analysis

Over the years, Hezbollah had "placed a significant number of Shi'ite officers" into prominent leadership positions, effectively taking over control of Lebanon's military intelligence.

Members of the Lebanese army walk near Beirut international airport, Lebanon, February 15, 2025

Polish police bust smuggling networks and seize drugs worth $275 million

The core of the criminal groups was Poles living in Spain, where they trafficked drugs to several parts of Europe, mainly the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia.

Polish police secure an area at the Warsaw University campus after an attack with an axe, in Warsaw, Poland, May 7, 2025.