Palestinian rioters hurl rocks and firebombs at Israeli security forces in El-Arrub, southwest of Bethlehem. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.

JNS.org – Israel Defense Forces’ soldiers raided the Palestinian enclave of al-Aroub near Bethlehem overnight on Tuesday, arresting five men charged with throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the nearby highway used by Jews and Arabs.

As soldiers made the arrests, residents of al-Aroub converged on the scene, throwing rocks and concrete blocks.

One soldier was wounded. He received medical treatment and was released home for recovery.

An additional 12 suspects were detained in other operations overnight on Tuesday and early Wednesday for conducting violent acts against soldiers and civilians.

Illegal weapons were found and confiscated in Shuweika in Samaria.

Three rioters attempting to attack Jews who came to worship at the Tomb of Joseph in Shechem were also arrested.