ISRAEL FOILS TERROR ATTACK

Highway drama: Terror attack foiled. (YNet)
Major attack foiled: Security forces recovered a 5-kilogram (11 pounds) explosive belt in a vehicle on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway Tuesday, bringing to an end a hot pursuit aimed at thwarting a terror attack.

The heightened terror alert prompted boosted activity by security forces, who proceeded to set up roadblocks in Jerusalem and on the highway connecting the capital to Tel Aviv. Eyewitnesses at the site reported widespread panic in the area where the vehicle was stopped. “I found myself in a huge traffic jam. I thought it was an accident,” eyewitness Gadi Alfasi told Ynet. “Suddenly I saw five to six police officers with drawn handguns storming a vehicle, and the terrorists coming out with their hands up.”

Police said they believe the explosive device was intended for a central Israel target. The GMC vehicle stopped by forces contained 10 Palestinians, who were taken in for questioning by authorities. The vehicle in question was stopped following a pursuit involving a police chopper. The terror plot is believed to be the work of an Islamic Jihad cell.