Israeli security forces took three Palestinians who had illegally entered the country in search of work into custody early Saturday morning after initially fearing that they had intended to carry out a terrorist attack.The three men's entry into the area alarmed the security forces to the point where authorities implored residents of towns and villages near the Gaza frontier to remain in their homes.Fearing unlawful infiltration by Palestinians, authorities closed off a major highway, Route 232, leading in and out of the Eshkol regional council.
After security services conducted a sweep of the area, they discovered three Palestinian labor migrants and took them into custody.The task of securing the area is made more difficult by the heavy fog that has blanketed the region in the last 24 hours.A large contingent of police officers joined IDF troops in scouring the vicinity for signs of infiltration. Security forces were also seen directing traffic along the roadways nearby.