Israeli security forces on erev Shabbos noticed an Arab male wearing a suspiciously large coat, walking toward the Tapuach Junction in the northern Shomron region. Border police became suspicious when they saw the man with the heavy coat in 35C (95F) weather.

B’chasdei Hashem the forces apprehended the man and found 12 pipe bombs strapped to his body. The terrorist was a 20-year-old resident of PA (Palestinian Authority) occupied Shechem.

Bomb demolition technicians were summoned and with the assistance of the bomb robot the explosives were neutralized without injuries.

Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich praised border policemen who prevented a suicide bombing attack. “Your vigilance and professionalism led to the capture of a terrorist with an explosive belt. You prevented an attack and saved lives, and I’m proud of you and your professional excellence,” the minister stated.

There were reports of additional terrorists who may have been heading to carry out attacks leading to a heightened alert status. B’chasdei Hashem there were no other attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo of bomb found at Tapuach Jct. IDF Spokesman)