Clashes broke out in Shechem (Nablus) overnight Wednesday between Palestinian Arab rioters and IDF soldiers who secured the entry of Jewish worshipers to Joseph's Tomb.
The clashes included burning of tires and throwing of firebombs and explosives at IDF troops and at military bulldozers.
The Red Crescent reported that a Palestinian Arab was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. It was also reported that 70 others were lightly injured from tear gas inhalation.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Arab sources reported that IDF troops were operating in the Tulkarm refugee camp early Thursday morning. Heavy exchanges of fire could be heard at the scene, according to the sources.
On Wednesday, terrorists hurled a firebomb at an Israeli bus adjacent to the Palestinian Arab town of Azzun. The firebomb did not hit the bus.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said that IDF soldiers entered the town and conducted searches for the terrorists. During the searches, a violent riot was instigated in which terrorists hurled firebombs, improvised explosive devices and rocks at the forces, who responded with riot dispersal means.
The soldiers apprehended two terrorists who hurled firebombs, improvised explosive devices and rocks and transferred them to security forces for further questioning.
No IDF injuries were reported.
In another incident on Wednesday night, a resident of the Binyamin region who was traveling with his wife and four children encountered a large blockade made out of rocks near the community of Ma'ale Levona.
When the vehicle reached the blockade, Arab rioters blocked its path, pelted the family with rocks and threatened them. The resident shot at the rioters with his personal weapon and was thus able to rescue his family from the scene.
Commenting on the incident, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said, “Earlier tonight, terrorists hurled rocks at vehicles belonging to Israeli civilians in the area of the town of Sinjil. An Israeli civilian was injured and did not need medical treatment. An Israeli civilian whose vehicle was damaged from rocks responded by firing into the air. IDF soldiers were dispatched to the scene.”
“A report regarding a Palestinian who was injured and evacuated by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to receive medical treatment is being checked. The incident is under review,” the statement added.