Shin Bet tracking down escaped detainees’ path
Prevalent fears that this situation might cause another round of fighting with Gaza
Jerusalem24 – Yesterday evening, Israel Channel 13 reported, that about two days after the six Palestinian prisoners escaped from Gilboa Prison, the Israeli General Security Service “Shin Bet” was able to rebuild their escape route and trace their way for the first few hours after their escape.
Alon Ben-David, a military correspondent and analyst known for his closeness to the Israeli security services, explained during the channel’s bulletin that the Israeli security services are now fully convinced that there is no indication that they have left Israel and reached the Palestinian territories, or any other country.
Ben David indicated that the security apparatus is concerned about the possibility that the escapees obtained weapons and may enter into a clash with the Israeli security forces. This could lead to their refusal to surrender without engaging in any clash; and consequently their deaths.
These fears from the security apparatus that the death of the prisoners may lead to a confrontation and a military escalation with the Gaza Strip.
Ben-David indicated that none of the families of the prisoners in Jenin were arrested after assessing that their stay in their homes might create intelligence about their whereabouts. He also pointed out that the estimates of the Israeli army, that the six prisoners were separated from each other to complicate the task of the chase, and for fear of obtaining weapons and carrying out attacks.
For its part, Israel Channel 12 reported that the focus has begun on inspections in the northern areas within the Green Line areas, and that there is a high probability of the presence of some detainees inside that area.
According to the channel, security has been strengthened in police stations in the northern regions, and the focus is on the search for synagogues and public recreation areas such as parks and gardens.
They also added that the Shin Bet is participating in the operation in the northern region.