A Palestinian young man from Nablus was arrested on Thursday before he could perpetrate a terror attack in Tel Aviv.
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The man was stopped and searched by officers of the elite police reconnaissance unit Yasam near Jaffa's clock tower after arousing suspicion. He was found in possession of a AK-47 automatic rifle and two explosive devices.
The suspect, 19 years old, was reported as being in Israel illegally. He later admitted that he indeed was planning to carry out a major attack. Police said he had been taken for further questioning by the Shin Bet security agency.
According to police officials, the suspect was previously arrested last May carrying a knife near the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid met with Sharif Hasson and Mohabau Mengistu, the two police officers involved in the arrest, and thanked them for preventing "a significant terror attack."
"The entire State of Israel thanks you for your bravery. You saved many human lives. I don't want to think about what would have happened if you weren't in the area," Lapid said in a statement, adding that the pair would be awarded with commendations for excellence.
Lapid also said on Thursday that the Shin Bet has thwarted hundreds of terror attacks, including shootings, explosive attacks, suicide bombings, and kidnappings, since the start of 2022.
JNS.org contributed to this report.
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