2 bombs found on beaches in South

Shin Bet investigating discovery of explosive devices in Ashkelon, Ashdod.

By YAAKOV KATZ
ashkelon marina 248 88 (photo credit: Orit Arfa)
ashkelon marina 248 88
(photo credit: Orit Arfa)
Two barrels of explosives were discovered on Israeli beaches on Monday, which were dispatched into the sea as part of a large-scale Palestinian terror attack against Israeli navy ships.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) was investigating the discovery of the explosive devices, described as barrels of explosives, with a particular emphasis on the detonator and type of explosives.
On Friday, a number of explosions were heard off the coast of the Gaza Strip, likely caused by additional devices that were thrown out to sea. Three Palestinian terror groups – Islamic Jihad, Popular Resistance Committees and the Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades - claimed responsibility.
On Monday, an explosive device washed ashore in Ashkelon and in the evening a second one was discovered in Ashdod. Both were destroyed by police sappers.
Defense officials said that Palestinian terror groups have been trying for years to strike at Israeli Navy ships that patrol along the Gaza coast.
“The terror groups have difficulty carrying out attacks due to the blockade on Gaza,” one official explained. “This is their way of trying to bypass the blockade and carry out an attack.”