Following the escape of prisoners from Gilboa Prison, Israel is intensifying its efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Meanwhile, solidarity demonstrations and riots are taking place in the Palestinian territories.
Israeli security forces are continuing their efforts to recapture the six prisoners who escaped from the Gilboa high-security prison on Monday. The lockdown of the Palestinian territories has therefore been extended until midnight on Saturday. However, border crossings for goods have been open again since Wednesday evening. In addition, Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi ordered an increase in the number of security forces involved in the search.
In addition to army special forces, police units, and the domestic intelligence agency Shabak, air support units are also involved in the search. However, it remains unclear in which area the fugitives are hiding. According to the Jerusalem Post, the escaped prisoners may have fled to Jordan. Police spokesman Eli Levy stated that security forces would do everything possible to capture the fugitives.
Violent clashes
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (Yaminia) met with representatives of Israeli security institutions for a situation briefing. Defense Minister Benny Gantz (Blue and White), Public Security Minister Omer Barlev (Avoda), and other high-ranking representatives of Israeli security agencies participated. Bennett subsequently warned of the potential dynamics within Palestinian society that could arise from the prisoners. However, he stated that Israel was prepared for any scenario.
The dynamics Bennett meant became clear on Wednesday evening. Several solidarity rallies for the refugees took place in the West Bank. Near Hebron and in Bethlehem, demonstrators attacked Israeli security forces. Near Ramallah, soldiers were attacked with live ammunition, according to Israeli media reports.
Attacks on security forces also occurred in prisons. These attacks had also been called for by Palestinian terrorist groups. In Ketziot and Rimon, inmates set fire to their prison cells.
Exact circumstances of the escape unclear
Gilboa Prison, near the Sea of Galilee, is considered virtually escape-proof. Constructed of reinforced concrete, it houses particularly dangerous terrorists. The six Palestinians escaped through a tunnel beneath their cell, which ended near a guard tower outside the prison. The guard on duty was asleep at the time and did not notice the escape. Media reports are conflicting as to whether the tunnel already existed or was dug by the inmates. Police are investigating whether the terrorists received assistance from prison staff during their escape.
