A young terrorist, estimated to be about 16 years old, was arrested this afternoon (Sunday) by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after attempting to stab soldiers standing guard outside the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron. 

The Cave of the Patriarchs, one of Judaism’s holiest sites, has been a focal point of national attention this weekend in light of a nearby rock-throwing attack, which coincided with the reading of the Biblical portion of Hayei Sarah in Genesis, the events of which took place at the historical site. 

The suspect approached IDF soldiers near the Cave, wielding a screwdriver. The soldiers managed to overcome the attacker and detain him for questioning. 

The attack also follows a recent Israeli government initiative to release more Palestinian terrorists in the upcoming weeks. Attacks in Judea and Samaria have heightened in the past month; among them, a large-scale rock throwing attack near Jerusalem, the premeditated murder of former IDF colonel Sraya Ofer, and the stabbing of nine-year old Noam Glick in Psagot. 

Hevron has been a particular target for attacks. Besides for the recent rock-throwing incident near the ancient city, Hevron recently lost First Sergeant Gavriel “Gal” Kobi, who was killed by a sniper’s bullet last month.