Dozens of antennas of Palestinian cellular networks, which serve the residents of the territories and the Gaza Strip, are operating in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, Kan News reported.
According to the report, the antennas, which belong to two Palestinian Authority cellular networks, constitute a violation of Israeli sovereignty.
The practical implications of the deployment were demonstrated through a simple test: When Israel’s 100 police emergency number is dialed from a phone with a Palestinian SIM card inside the Old City, the call does not reach the Israel Police emergency center. Instead, it is routed directly to the Palestinian Police emergency center.
Under the Oslo Accords, Palestinian cellular operators are permitted to provide service to subscribers traveling inside Israel only through roaming agreements that rely on the infrastructure of Israeli telecommunications companies.
However, mapping conducted within the walls of the Old City indicates that the Palestinian networks are not merely providing roaming service, but have physically installed their own antennas in the area.
Dan, a cybersecurity researcher who lives in the Old City, mapped the infrastructure and identified 22 Palestinian antennas scattered throughout the Old City’s alleyways, with a particularly high concentration in the Christian Quarter. The antennas provide full cellular coverage to users of the Palestinian networks.
Beyond the issue of sovereignty, experts are warning of a serious security risk. The installation of 2G and 3G antennas could allow hostile actors to monitor and intercept communications in the area.
“Not only the Palestinian Authority—Hamas and Iran as well. They can all eavesdrop on you.”
Israel’s Communications Ministry said: “Upon receiving Kan News’ inquiry, the ministry’s enforcement officials opened an investigation with the relevant party in order to obtain the locations of the antennas and examine the matter.”
The Jerusalem Municipality said: “An examination conducted by the municipality found that no building permits or approvals were requested or issued for the installation of cellular antennas belonging to Palestinian telecommunications companies within the city.”
“Regulation of communications infrastructure and the deployment of antennas falls under the exclusive authority of the Communications Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry. If information is received or complaints are filed regarding irregularities or building violations, they will be examined by the relevant professional officials in the municipality.”
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
