The IDF Spokesman's Unit released details Tuesday of a weekend incident in which the IDF foiled an attempt by terrorists to cross over into Israel from Gaza.
Late Friday night, December 25, the IDF identified four Arab suspects who were crawling near the northern Gaza security fence in an apparent attempt to infiltrate Israel and execute a terror attack.
The soldiers fired toward the suspects, who continued to move towards the security fence. In addition, the forces directed an aerial attack against the suspects. Three of the suspects were killed and one was injured. Three explosive charges were found along with a rope ladder during searches that followed the incident, firmly supporting the assumption that the infiltrators intended to cross into Israel and execute a terror attack.
The explosive charges were detonated on Monday. The IDF did not explain why it waited three days to blow up the charges and publicize the incident.
"In the past there has been terrorist activity along the security fence in Gaza," the IDF Spokesman said, "including infiltration attempts, gunfire against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, as well as the planting of explosive devices. Due to such incidents, the IDF remains cautious."
Attempted attack in Bat Ayin
In Bat Ayin, south of Jerusalem, an Arab shepherd was shot and wounded in the arm Tuesday when he tried to steal a gun from the community's Security Officer.
The Arab suspect escaped but was later apprehended by the Judea and Samaria police. He was detained along with two other Arabs who were diving him away, toward the Jaba checkpoint.
Several hours later the IDF said that the Arab had been injured when a bullet was accidentally discharged from the gun in the course of a physical struggle between him and the would-be thief. The police said it was interrogating the Arab, who is suspected of trying to steal the weapon.