Israel says killed suspected bomber from Lebanon

By Zain Khalil

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel said Wednesday that it had killed a man for allegedly planting a bomb after infiltrating from southern Lebanon.

“An explosive device was detonated adjacent to the Megiddo Junction on Monday, severely injuring an Israeli civilian,” the Israeli army said on Twitter.

“During searches in northern Israel, security forces neutralized a terrorist armed with an explosive belt & multiple weapons in a vehicle,” it added.

The army said a car carrying the suspect was stopped by soldiers at checkpoint shortly after the explosion.

According to the military, Israeli authorities are examining whether Lebanese group Hezbollah was behind the incident.

There was no comment from Hezbollah on the report.

Earlier Wednesday, Israeli army chief Lt. Gen Herzi Halevi called for preparedness for a possible confrontation with Hezbollah.

"We look at Hezbollah and see their efforts to build strength. We understand that we need to prepare,” Halevi said during a meeting with reservist soldiers at the Tzeelim military base southern Israel.

“We must be prepared in the coming years for a multifaceted event in which Iran will participate," he added, without further details.

Hezbollah fought several times with Israel, the latest of which was in 2006 during which the Lebanese group struck major Israeli cities with rockets, causing significant material damage.

Over 1,000 Lebanese were killed in the conflict, while much of southern Lebanon – a Hezbollah stronghold – was devastated by Israeli attacks.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar