The sources said that the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) planned to detonate huge explosive devices underneath at least one skyscraper in the center of Israel.

The Shin Bet security service received information regarding a planned attack by the PFLP, and Israeli forces subsequently entered Qalqilyah, where they operated for over 24 hours.

During the operation, two wanted terrorists were arrested. One of those detained was Mussa Ibrahim Nazal, 33, the head of the PFLP, in the city, who Israel claims was behind the suicide bombing at Karnei Shomron two months ago.

IDF sources also reported that they had discovered a booby-trapped car carrying a large explosive load, which they suspected was intended for use in a bombing in Tel Aviv.

In addition, 20 other Palestinians were detained for questioning, nine of whom were later released. Most of those held belong to the PFLP, and some of them were planning suicide attacks. One admitted to planning an attack at the nearby Nir Eliahu.

The IDF operation in the city uncovered three bomb-making factories, from which soldiers confiscated explosive belts, pipe bombs and hand grenades. IDF sappers detonated all of the devices.

Jordanian infiltrator arrested
IDF forces arrested an armed Palestinian in the early hours of Sunday morning, close to the Argeman settlement in the Jordan Valley.

At around midnight Saturday, security forces identified an attempted infiltration on the Jordan border, and a large number of soldiers was brought in to comb the area. After locating the terrorist, soldiers opened fire, injuring the attacker, who was transferred to hospital for treatment.