Two suspects were arrested on Friday on a highway close to Ramla in central Israel on suspicion of involvement in a bombing just hours earlier in Tel Aviv.
The explosive device planted next to a tree in the bustling Yarkon Park in the north of the coastal metropolis caused no injuries when detonated.
WATCH: Moment of explosion at a popular Tel Aviv park, as unusual set of security incidents threaten to mar start of Jewish High Holidays
📹Courtesy: Ynet pic.twitter.com/n56sRB7jdh
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) September 15, 2023
Shortly thereafter, police closed off a section of Route 431, allowing masked security personnel to converge on a car sitting in traffic and arrest the suspects.
Despite initial reports to the contrary, no explosives were found in their vehicle.
תיעוד מעצר החשוד שהוצא מהרכב ובו עפ החשד מספר מטעני חבלה pic.twitter.com/DITB2Nwagz
— Or Heller אור הלר (@OrHeller) September 15, 2023
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) was involved in the investigation, suggesting authorities believe the bombing was an act of terrorism.
Hebrew-language media reported that the suspects are from the Palestinian village of Al-Eizariya (also known as Bethany) near Jerusalem, although they at times lived in the Tel Aviv suburb of Jaffa.
Both men hold Israeli citizenship, according to the reports.
The development unfolded as Israelis were preparing for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins Friday at sundown.