By Elad Benari
Palestinian Authority Arabs launched several attacks against Israeli targets in Samaria on Wednesday evening, according to a report in the Tazpit agency.
In one incident, terrorists hurled at least 10 firebombs at a road near the Arab village of Az-Zawiya, southeast of Kalkilye. No injuries or damage were reported.
Earlier on Wednesday, security forces arrested two Arabs who were armed with knives at the Yitzhar junction. IDF forces also captured an Arab with a gun near the community of Ofra. The gun was confiscated and the Arab was arrested.
In addition, PA Arabs hurled rocks at Israeli vehicles traveling on Route 55 near Azzun. Two vehicles sustained damage. IDF soldiers searched the area and discovered a pipe bomb. As the soldiers were conducting the search, Arabs fired flares at them, causing some thorns to catch fire. Firefighters were called to the scene.
In another incident in the Trans-Samaria Highway, Arabs threw a firebomb at an Israeli vehicle. The vehicle did not sustain damage. IDF soldiers who arrived on the scene discovered two additional firebombs ready for throwing.
The latest incidents occurred just one day after two Arabs from Palestinian Authority enclaves were arrested trying to smuggle four pipe bombs, an improvised gun, and a large amount of ammunition into Israel on Tuesday.
Two Arab men in their 20s aroused the suspicion of Border Police officers at the Tapuach Junction, who detained and searched the pair.
Upon finding the weapons in their bags, Border Police called sappers were called to dispose of the devices. The pair were arrested and handed over to security officials for questioning.
Such arrests have become commonplace as northern Samaria increasingly becomes a hub for the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror organizations.
January 8: Border Police arrest two men carrying 12 pipe bombs and a combat knife at a checkpoint near Shechem in northern Samaria.
April 11: IDF forces stopped a would-be bomber over Passover at a checkpoint east of Shechem, in northern Samaria. The terrorist was carrying improvised explosive devices, three knives and 50 bullets.
April 21: 2 Palestinian Authority teens carrying bombs and guns were nabbed by Israeli forces. They were apprehended near Tapuach Junction with 5 pipe bombs, a gun, and ammo.
April 24: IDF forces uncovered 4 improvised bombs on two Arabs at a crossing north of Jericho. The bombs were found in the men’s bags and detonated safely.
April 28: IDF forces nabbed 2 terrorists with 4 pipe bombs as they were trying to smuggle explosives through a checkpoint in northern Samaria.
May 7: Israeli forces arrested 17-year-old Palestinian for carrying 3 pipe bombs. The teen was detained near Tapuach junction.
