Attack thwarted: Two Palestinians were nabbed Friday at a roadblock near the West Bank town of Nablus in possession of two explosive belts.
The two arrived at the Beit Iba roadblock and aroused the suspicion of soldiers from the Haruv battalion. In a subsequent search, the soldiers recovered the two explosive belts, which were apparently intended for a suicide bombing against Israeli targets.
Following the discovery, Border Guard sappers were dispatched to the scene to examine the explosive belts, which weighed about seven kilogram (approximately 15 pounds) each. A knife was also recovered in the area.
An initial investigation revealed the two Palestinians planned to hand the explosives over to a suicide bomber. The two were taken in for interrogation.
Security officials noted they had no intelligence information regarding the explosive belts and praised the forces for preventing a bombing inside Israel.
Tensions high in Jerusalem
Meanwhile, about 12,000 Muslim worshippers arrived for Friday prayers at the Temple Mount, amid tensions over
Muslim anger because of Prophet Muhammad cartoons in European newspapers. Earlier, Jerusalem police limited the age of worshipers to 45 and above due to fears of riots.
Hundreds of young Muslims prevented from attending Friday prayers at Temple Mount were later dispersed by police after gathering in east Jerusalem. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Later, dozens of young Palestinians at Jerusalem's Damascus Gate again attempted to initiate a march while yelling out "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great.). The Muslims were dispersed by police using stun grenades. No injuries were reported.
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