Police arrest Arab who planned to attack light rail with fireworks

The suspect, a member of a terrorist group, was involved in producing explosives.

Jerusalem's light rail (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Jerusalem's light rail
(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Israel Police and the Shin Bet arrested an east Jerusalem Arab who was a member of a terrorist organization after finding that he planned to attack the light rail with fireworks, police announced on Thursday.

The suspect was arrested in April after he bought fireworks during Ramadan and intended to sneak them onto the Temple Mount and to use them to attack the light rail.

The suspect was also involved in producing explosives and, about a year ago, threw explosives at police officers in the Shuafat neighborhood of Jerusalem, injuring two police officers.

"Israel Police will continue to work with the Shin Bet and security forces to bring to justice those involved in violent disturbances and terrorist activities," said police.

Operation Break the Wave continues

 Explosive found with suspect arrested in east Jerusalem (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
Explosive found with suspect arrested in east Jerusalem (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

Israeli security forces, including IDF, Shin Bet and Border Police arrested eight suspects in the West Bank on Wednesday night as part of Operation Break the Wave.

Three were arrested in the Palestinian town of Bani Naim near Hebron by the 12th Battalion. Sayeret Golani arrested another, and confiscated weapons, in a town in the Menashe region. 

Israel Police officers and members of the "Lions of the Valley" Battalion operated in Jericho, arresting one and confiscating weapons, including a gun.