An Israeli highway
An Israeli highwayIsrael news photo: Flash 90

An illegal Arab trying to escape from pursuing Border Police officers almost got away - until he made a near-fatal miscalculation. Now, after jumping off a bridge, the Arab was being treated in an Israeli hospital, suffering from serious injuries.

The incident occurred Thursday morning at the Kesem Junction, at the intersection of two busy highways, outside the city of Rosh Ha'ayin. Border Guards had pursued the Arab, who snuck into Israel illegally, from the direction of Ariel, and caught up with him on a bridge over Road 444. The Arab, apparently thinking he could get away, jumped off the bridge. But instead of escaping, he succeeded only in injuring himself.

The Arab was treated for serious injuries on the spot by members of Hatzalah Gush Dan. He was then taken to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah for treatment. Doctors said he could be there for weeks, after which he will be sent back to PA-controlled areas. Meanwhile, police closed Road 444 after the Arab jumped, causing a massive traffic tieup as thousands of commuters were stuck, unable to get to their jobs.

Overnight Wednesday, IDF soldiers and Border Guards arrested 19 wanted Arabs in Judea and Samaria, and in the Jordan Valley. Three suspects arrested near Tul Karem in western Samaria were found to be carrying guns and other weapons, as well as ammunition and IDF equipment. As troops arrested five wanted terrorists in Kalandia, near Jerusalem, Arabs began rioting, throwing rocks and stones at soldiers. Soldiers used anti-riot equipment to quell the crowd.

Other arrests took place near Ramallah and Bethlehem. In Shechem, IDF soldiers found a large cache of weapons, including machine guns, grenades, ammunition, and IDF equipment. Three terrorists were arrested.