Israeli law enforcement officials have confiscated approximately NIS 20 million (about $5.5 million USD) worth of cigarettes that were smuggled into the West Bank via the port of Ashdod. The operation commenced after customs officials noticed discrepancies in the customs declarations of two containers, which falsely claimed to contain 'household goods.' Following this, Maritime Police and customs agents conducted an undercover operation, monitoring the containers as they were loaded onto trucks bound for the West Bank. The operation culminated in the arrest of the truck drivers, who are residents of East Jerusalem. The suspects and the seized containers were returned to the Ashdod customs department for further investigation. In an unrelated incident, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) filed indictments against two soldiers involved in smuggling operations into Gaza, including the illegal transportation of cigarettes and ammunition. This broader investigation revealed a network that operated from February 2024 to January 2026, highlighting ongoing issues related to smuggling in the region.