Israeli Border Police officers. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org — Eight Palestinians from the West Bank and an east Jerusalem resident were arrested on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities and of planning to carry out attacks in central Israel, the Shin Bet security agency revealed this week following the lifting of a gag order on the case.

According to the Shin Bet, investigations revealed that the nine suspects had been plotting to use explosive devices against Israel Defense Forces troops stationed in the West Bank, and had conspired to smuggle 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of gunpowder into Israel’s capital to build pipe bombs.

The Shin Bet also said that during its investigation, it discovered and confiscated laboratory equipment and 120 kilograms (265 pounds) of raw material used for making explosives.