Israel says it has foiled terror attack
Police said today that a major terrorist attack had been averted in a densely populated area of central Israel.
Two bombers were arrested as they travelled to carry out the attack, and a bag containing a large amount of explosives was also found, they said.
The bomb was blown up in a controlled explosion that could be heard for miles around.
“There is no doubt that a huge disaster was prevented, “ a senior police source said. “We are talking about a huge explosive device.”
“A large attack which would of had a lot of victims” was averted, said police commander Yehuda Bachar.
Security forces were put on high alert today after receiving intelligence that a potential suicide bomber and an accomplice had crossed into Israel to launch an attack.
Scores of road blocks were quickly thrown up in the densely populated Sharon region, an area bordering the West Bank and a frequent target of Palestinian militants.
Hours later, police said an anti-terrorist unit had captured both suspects in Kfar Kassem, an Israeli-Arab village 12 miles north-east of Tel Aviv.
It was not immediately known to what group they belonged.
The bag of explosives was also found in Kfar Kassem.
Police sources said the size of the explosion lead them to believe the device contained tens of pounds of explosives.
The reported attempt came as Palestinian officials awaited a response from Islamic militant groups about a proposal to suspend attacks against Israelis.
Escalating violence has threatened the implementation of a US-backed peace plan launched at a summit in Jordan on June 4.
