Soldiers manning Jordan Valley checkpoint find bombs, knives during search of Palestinian´s belongings after metal detector alarm triggered

A Palestinian was apprehended Wednesday while trying to pass through the Bekaot checkpoint in the Jordan Valley with seven improvised explosive devices, three knives and rifle shells.

Security establishment officials believe the 19-year-old Palestinian, who arrived from the Nablus area, planned to attack Israeli civilians or soldiers during the Passover holiday.

Military Police soldiers manning the checkpoint discovered the weapons during a search of the would-be terrorist´s belongings after he had aroused their suspicion.

According to an initial army investigation, the Palestinian was caught after the metal detector´s alarm was activated, indicating he was carrying suspicion objects. The explosive devices were neutralized by Border Guard sappers who were alerted to the scene.

The incident marks the third time a would-be terrorist was caught at the Bekaot checkpoint over the past few months. Some three months ago a Palestinian carrying a pipe bomb was shot dead as he was approaching IDF soldiers while yelling "Allahu Akbar (Allah is great)."

In another incident, IDF soldiers shot a Palestinian suspected of attempting to carry out a stabbing attack at the checkpoint with a broken glass bottle. He died of his wounds a short time later. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 04/11/12)