An Israeli solider searches a Palestinian car near the West Bank city of Nablus, Jan.10, 2018. Photo: Reuters / Mohamad Torokman.

Israel said on Wednesday it had found explosives hidden in a Palestinian truck that were due to be smuggled from the West Bank and used in an attack on the Jewish state’s Independence Day.

The Defense Ministry said guards at the Reihan checkpoint in the northern West Bank found a “powerful explosive device” hidden in the roof of a Palestinian truck loaded with other goods.

On Thursday, many Israelis will head outdoors to celebrate with barbecues in parks and other public sites to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the state.

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman praised “the vigilance and professionalism” of checkpoint guards who had managed to “uncover the device and foil a large attack.”

“We will hunt the evildoers who planned to attack on our holiday. They will not have a day or night’s rest until we lay our hands on them,” he said.