An explosive device discovered on Route Gilad in Samaria was attached to a PLO flag, according to Israeli reports. A bomb disposal expert neutralized the IED and determined it was a live explosive — confirming what previous reports had flagged as a serious escalation.
The object found overnight on Route Gilad in Samaria has been confirmed as a live improvised explosive device (IED) attached to a PLO flag, Israeli reports say. A bomb disposal expert neutralized the device and determined it was a genuine explosive. The confirmation follows hours of uncertainty after the initial discovery of a suspicious object at the scene of a stone-throwing attack on Israeli vehicles Saturday evening.
As The Zioneer first reported Saturday at 22:39 Jerusalem, Palestinian assailants had thrown stones at Israeli vehicles between the turn to Rock Outpost and the small Hawara junction. Shortly after, at 22:39 Jerusalem, a suspicious object was located at the scene, neutralized by bomb experts, with the IDF cautioning it was not yet clear whether it was an explosive — which, if confirmed, would mark a serious escalation. Earlier this morning (Sunday, 01:18 Jerusalem), the IDF had already flagged that possibility. The confirmation of a live IED Saturday night into Sunday now validates that concern.
The attack occurred on a route where, as The Zioneer reported Saturday at 22:39 Jerusalem, the IDF has long refrained from uprooting nearby olive groves despite repeated similar incidents. No casualties or additional damage have been reported from this incident.
What remains open: the identity and affiliation of those who placed the IED have not been established; the PLO flag attached to the device has not been officially tied to any specific faction.
4 developments
- DevelopingSevere explosive device found in Bnei Ayish
- StrongDrone with explosive charge, phone, ammunition found near Segev Shalom
- StrongPolice sappers neutralize explosive device in Jerusalem's Pisgat Ze'ev, suspected criminal motive
- DevelopingCriminals suspected of planting explosive in Liah Malka's car on Ayalon
Source and signal
- Internal intake