Suspected Security Incident Leads to Highway 6 Closure, 13 Arrested

*In a dramatic security event, one of Israel’s busiest highways, Highway 6, was closed today (Monday) for about 30 minutes after police detained a vehicle and its passengers, suspected of involvement in a potential security threat. The road was blocked from Horashim Junction northbound, creating significant traffic disruption as authorities responded to the incident.

According to police, 13 individuals were arrested after being removed from the suspicious vehicle. One of the suspects, a Palestinian illegal resident, was transferred to the Shin Bet for further investigation, as authorities probe whether he was linked to any planned terror attack. The remaining 12, also identified as illegal residents, were handed over to the police.

No weapons or explosives were found inside the vehicle, which prompted some relief, but the dramatic scenes of passengers exiting the vehicle with their hands raised and lying on the roadside, as seen in several videos circulating online, highlighted the intensity of the situation. Authorities confirmed that the security protocols were enacted out of an abundance of caution.

As the investigation continues, Highway 6 has since reopened, but the incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present security challenges faced by Israeli authorities.

The swift response by police and Shin Bet highlights the importance of maintaining high-level security to prevent potential threats.