Israeli police launched a major anti-crime operation in the Jerusalem area overnight, arresting eight suspects and seizing weapons and drugs, authorities said on Monday.
The operation, called “Shield of the Capital,” involved hundreds of officers from Israel Police and Border Police units targeting criminal activity and security threats in Jerusalem’s periphery, the Israel Police Spokesperson’s Unit said.
Overnight, Jerusalem District police and Border Police operated in Shuafat as part of the “Shield of the Capital” framework, targeting crime and terror. Eight suspects were arrested, and illegal firearms, ammunition, drugs, and military-style equipment were seized. pic.twitter.com/vzlKwKOqjl
— Israel Police (@israelpolice) January 12, 2026
Forces conducted enforcement actions in the northeastern Shuafat neighborhood, where they confiscated three illegal handguns, M16 rifle components, ammunition, two tactical vests, drugs and a cloned vehicle (an illegal car that has a Vehicle Identification Number and license plates copied from a legitimate vehicle), police said. The eight suspects were taken in for questioning.
Jerusalem Police chief Cmdr. Avshalom Peled said the initiative represents a new phase in law enforcement for the city.
“Public security begins with determined and proactive action on the ground,” Peled said. “There is no area beyond the reach of law enforcement.”
The operation was developed following Peled’s appointment as district commander and aims to strengthen security in Jerusalem and surrounding communities through intelligence-based enforcement, police said.
Border Police chief Cmdr. Yitzhak Brik said officers would continue operating “wherever firm, precise, and uncompromising enforcement is required.”
The arrests follow previous police action in Shuafat involving illegal weapons trafficking.
