Palestinians target Israeli worshipers en route to praying at Joseph’s Tomb

IDF forces thwarted an attempt by Palestinians to harm Israelis on their way to praying at Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News

Palestinian terrorists targeted Israeli worshipers who entered the city of Shechem (Nablus) on Monday, placing an explosive device in their route of travel, which was discovered by IDF forces and dismantled.

Around 1,000 Israeli worshipers were en route to pray at Joseph’s Tomb inside the Samarian city when IDF forces exposed an improvised explosive device that was placed outside the Tomb’s site.

The forces detonated the IED in a safe fashion

Shortly after, a Palestinian mob converged on the religious site and began rioting and throwing rocks. The IDF responded with crowd dispersal measures, while arresting one rioter.

The IDF organizes an over-night visit to the holy site once a month. The area is under Palestinian control, and entry to the area without IDF security is considered dangerous.

Earlier in the evening, IDF soldiers apprehended a Palestinian who opened fire using a self-manufactured weapon at a route near the village of Nabi Elias, north of the Israeli community of Alfei Menashe. The weapon and ammunition were found on the suspect, who was taken for further questioning.

In related news, IDF forces carried out counter-terrorism operations throughout Judea and Samaria, during which they arrested 11 Palestinians wanted in connection with terrorism.