On March 19, the military seized an Israeli truck with three tons of
potassium nitrate south of the West Bank city of Kalkilya. Potassium
nitrate, banned by the military, has been used in the production of weapons
and explosives.
The statement said security forces intercepted 1,686 attempts to
transfer banned substances, such as sulphuric acid. Police have opened at
least nine investigations.
"These substances are used as raw materials for the production of
explosives used for attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers," the
military said.
"Without these substances, it is more difficult to execute terrorist
attacks."
In mid-March, the military's Central Command issued an alert for
Palestinian attempts to smuggle dual-use material in the West Bank, the
military said. Military sources said the substances were being smuggled
from Israel and Jordan.
"Throughout the recent period, security forces have thwarted 14 attempts
to transfer dangerous substances and resources which can serve for dual
purposes, yet are often utilized for producing and manufacturing of weaponry
and explosive substances," the statement said.