Three people have been arrested for transporting illegal Palestinian Authority Arab citizens into pre-1967 Israel.
Among those arrested Monday morning by Israel Police was an Israeli citizen and two others whose identities were not publicized.
The van in which the 19 illegal Arab workers were riding was pulled over on Highway 1 near the Ben Shemen interchange.
None of the passengers had legal entry permits for their presence in Israel.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has proposed a new fine of NIS 452,000 on business owners who hire illegal Arab workers from the Palestinian Authority.
Erdan said Sunday that those who employ those who are living illegally in Israel are “endangering the lives of Israeli citizens,” especially in the current wave of terror.