Border Police officers stationed near Hevron’s Cave of the Patriarchs thwarted a stabbing attack Thursday, arresting an Arab man found with a concealed knife.

Officers noticed the 26-year-old Hevron resident loitering suspiciously near the Jewish holy site, and stopped him for questioning. Upon searching him, they discovered a knife, apparently intended for use in a stabbing attack.

The suspect was handed over to security forces for interrogation.

The local Border Police commander praised his officers’ professionalism.

“Time and time again we see that the alertness and determination of the officers is a crucial factor in the fight against the ‘lone wolf’ terrorist phenomenon,” he said.

“The officers constitute the last line of defense which prevents attackers reaching population centers and harming civilians or security forces.”