The knife
Photo: Israel Police
Police officers foiled a stabbing attack in Jerusalem's Old City last week, it was cleared for publication on Wednesday.
The officers arrested a 26-year-old Palestinian from Hebron who planned to stab Israeli civilians or security forces in the city.
The Palestinian aroused the officers' suspicion and they detained him for questioning. During a search, police found a knife and a tear gas canister in his possession.
He was taken to the local police station where he told investigators he entered Israel to pray in the capital, but they suspected he was hiding something and the investigation was handed over to the police's Central Unit.
At the end of the investigation, which was conducted under a strict gag order, police investigators uncovered the suspect's true intentions—to carry out a stabbing attack.
His remand was extended by five days to allow police to complete the investigation.
"There's no doubt the arrest of the suspect and revealing his intentions prevented an attempt to carry out an attack in the Jerusalem area, the results of which could've been serious," the police said.
"The efforts to locate, prevent and thwart attempts by attackers and terror organizations to carry out terror attacks continue at all times in the Jerusalem area and in the nearby crossings," police added.