Gaza Terror Attack Foiled by Observant IDF Soldier

One of the terrorists that cut through the Gaza border fence on Friday and planted a bomb on the Israeli side remained in Israel – and was only caught because an IDF soldier observed him as he tried to hide and remain inside Israeli territory, it was revealed Motzoei Shabbos. The soldier alerted troops in the field, who neutralized the terrorist – and discovered that he was carrying weapons, which he planned to use to attack Israelis.

In the incident Friday, terrorists climbed the fence and, under cover of smoke from firebombs and burning tires, placed an explosive device on the Israeli side of the border before climbing back and returning to Gaza. The device exploded, creating a hole in the fence that enabled some 20 terrorists to crawl through. Most returned after IDF soldiers began opening fire. According to Channel 20, one of the terrorists physically attacked a soldier before returning to Gaza. Several of the terrorists were killed in the incident.

Speaking to Channel 20, the soldier, Omer Kaplan, said “I saw from my observation post dozens of rioters cutting through the fence and placing a bomb. The bomb exploded and the smoke impeded my ability to see. The soldiers were trying to get to an IDF position, and I warned soldiers what to expect. They shot warning fire at the terrorists, and most of them returned to Gaza. But I noticed that there was one who disappeared. We reviewed the situation on the spot, and I alerted soldiers that there was a terrorist who was unaccounted for.” After searching the area, soldiers discovered the terrorist and neutralized him, Kaplan said.

Overnight Motzoei Shabbos, security officials said they arrested 11 wanted security suspects in areas in Yehudah and Shomron. The suspects were wanted for participating in rioting and throwing stones and firebombs that endangered Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Several of the suspects were also charged with belonging to Hamas. All were being questioned on their activities by security forces.