IDF forces successfully foiled two stabbing attacks on Sunday, both in the area of the Machepelah Cave (Cave of the Patriarchs) in Hevron. Both potential stabbers – Arabs from the area – are in custody Sunday night.

In one incident, an Arab from Hevron who arrived at a checkpoint near the Machpelah Cave aroused the suspicions of border guards, and they detained the Arab, who was found to be carrying two large knives. He was arrested and taken to the Hevron police station for questioning.

Several hours later, another Arab youth was arrested at another nearby checkpoint, also after arousing suspicion due to his behavior. He was found carrying a knife in his backpack. Police arrested him as well.

The two arrests were just the latest in a long line of similar detentions by police of Arabs in the Machpelah Cave area who were found to be be carrying knives. At least three similar incidents occurred just in the Machpelah Cave area in the past month, IDF officials said.

According to a local IDF commander, the arrests are just “a small example of the great successes that we have had in the Machpelah Cave area. It is impossible to know what the detainees were planning when they arrived in the area of the sensitive area of the Cave with knives. We must remain ready at all times.”