The security officers of the Checkpoints Authority arrested, early Thursday afternoon, a Palestinian Arab man who was apparently transporting a bomb in his car and who they believe was en route to carrying out a terror attack in central Israel.

The car was stopped for a routine check at the checkpoint on Highway 5 that transverses Samaria from east to west, and leads directly into the northern outskirts of Tel Aviv.

One of the officers noticed a bag between the driver's legs. Inside it was a gas balloon, connected ot electric wires. He was taken to interrogation and admitted, under initial questioning, that he had been on his way to carry out an attack.

The checkpoint was closed to traffic and Highway 5 blocked in both directions, as sappers handled the bomb.

More to follow.