IDF, Shin Bet and police forces have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the planting of the explosive that seriously wounded an IDF officer near Hizma last week, it was cleared for publication on Sunday afternoon.
The two suspects were arrested by the IDF's elite Duvdevan unit four days ago, on the night of the attack, but word of their arrest has been under gag order until now.
A statement from the Shin Bet also noted that there has been significant progress made in their interrogation, while a sweeping gag order remains over all other details of the investigation.
IDF's elite Duvdevan unit arrests one of the suspects
(צילום: דובר צה"ל)
The wounded IDF officer, Shahar Roditi, is now in moderate condition and communicates with his family in writing as he cannot speak because of his injury.
The attack occurred on Tuesday when a force from the Homefront Command's Ram Battalion, which was patrolling Highway 60 in the West Bank, approached a suspect package at the entrance to the village of Hizma, north of Jerusalem, to examine it.
While the troops were examining the package, it blew up and wounded the officer in his upper body.
The nearby route 437 was closed off and IDF troops were called to the scene to search for any additional explosives.
Searches of the area found that four pipe bombs blew up, leading to the officer's injury. Five other pipe bombs were found at the scene of the attack and were neutralized by security forces.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon visited the wounded officer on Sunday, and heard from the officer, who recounted the incident in writing.
"I was touched by my visit with the officer and his family, who are showcasing great mental strength," Ya'alon said after being briefed by the doctors at the Hadassah Medical Center about the officer's medical situation and the lengthy operation he underwent. "What is needed now is more time for his recovery. There are excellent doctors here and a supporting environment and I'm sure his will power and the support of his family will help him return to an active life."