Israel Confiscates Wetsuits Destined for Hamas

JERUSALEM, Israel – Israeli Defense Ministry inspectors at the Kerem Shalom crossing to the Gaza Strip, aided by the Shin Bet, confiscated dozens of professional wetsuits believed destined for terrorists, including the Hamas naval commando unit.

The wetsuits were concealed in a shipment of imported sportswear delivered to areas under Palestinian Authority control and then reshipped to the Gaza Strip.

The Defense Ministry has opened an investigation to trace the shipment and locate the individuals involved in the attempted smuggling.

During Operation Protective Edge in the summer of 2014, five Hamas terrorists gained entrance to Israel from the sea in an unsuccessful attempt to infiltrate a nearby Jewish community either to kill or kidnap residents to use as a bargaining chips in a prisoner exchange. It’s a tactic favored by the Islamist group. An Israeli attack helicopter killed them.