A tunnel dug next to the security barrier, near the communities of Givat Ze’ev and Givon, was discovered in the Palestinian village of Al-Jib, the police announced on Thursday.

The tunnel was uncovered on August 28 and was in an advanced stage of excavation. Its entrance had been camouflaged inside an ancient cistern to conceal the digging.

Following the discovery, Jerusalem Border Police officers launched a targeted operational and intelligence effort in the area and arrested a suspect carrying excavation tools.

An archaeological examination of the tunnel and surrounding area confirmed how its entrance had been concealed.

On Wednesday night, Border Police officers, working with IDF forces, completed the sealing of the tunnel.

Police said security forces would continue working to detect and thwart infrastructure near the security barrier in order to protect residents of the area.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)