Weapons found on Arab would-be terrorist
Weapons found on Arab would-be terroristPolice Spokesperson

On Thursday morning it was cleared for publication that a 17-year-old Palestinian from Ramallah was arrested late Wednesday night at HaParsa Junction, near Dolev in Binyamin, on suspicion of planning to stab a bus driver in Jerusalem. 

It was the second such thwarted attack Wednesday night. The first took place out of the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron. A Palestinian in his 20s was arrested and taken in for questioning, after police found a knife on his person. 

It was revealed Thursday morning that the 17-year-olds arrest took place thanks to the vigilance of a Dolev resident who stopped to help the teen he believed was a hitchhiker, before realizing the teen was a potential terrorist. 

Amit Leshem was driving in his car Wednesday night when he noticed a young man hitchhiking at HaParsa Junction in the direction of Jerusalem.

He stopped and asked the teen what his destination was. The Palestinian started to get confused, did not respond in Hebrew, and spoke with a suspicious accent. 

Believing that the teen had suspicious reason for wanting to travel to Jerusalem - due to his confused response, unclear language and heavy accent - Leshem left immediately and called security forces to investigate the young man and his intentions.

After a few minutes police forces from Modi'in Illit arrived at the scene to examine the youth. Their suspicions raised, they began to search through his bag, and found a large knife and a screwdriver inside.

An initial investigation indicates that the teen intended to hitchhike to Jerusalem,and then stab a bus driver. In the meantime, he has been taken in for further questioning by the Israel Security Agency (ISA or Shin Bet)

Israel Gantz, the Deputy Mayor of Binyamin praised Leshem for his vigilance, and said "The Council welcomes vigilance and encourages residents to practice awareness and responsibility, like Amit, when they are driving. If we all open our eyes and act responsibly, we can prevent the next attack."

In addition, the Commander of Binyamin called Leshem to thank him for his action - particularly his diligence and initiative.