IDF forces discovered two grenades at Joseph’s Tomb on Tuesday night.
By World Israel News Staff
On Tuesday, Israeli Defense Forces protecting a pilgrimage of 1,000 Jewish worshipers to the Tomb of Joseph discovered two grenades hidden at the site.
The hand grenades were of makeshift design and appeared to be manufactured locally, according to reports.
In addition, gunfire was directed at an Israel Defense Forces vehicle and Palestinian Arabs threw rocks and Molotov cocktails.
Although the Tomb of Joseph located near the city of Schechem (Nablus) is completely under Arab control as set forth in the Oslo Accords, Jews retain special rights to pray at the tomb.
Violence has broken out in the past during similar visits. In 2017, 1,000 pilgrims visiting the tomb on the second night of Hanukkah were also met with Palestinian riots.
Israel evacuated Joseph’s Tomb on Oct. 7, 2000, 18 years ago today. Although the tomb is said to be holy to both religions, following the evacuation, Palestinian Arabs stormed the site, causing extensive damage.