Israel intercepts smuggled bomb

JERUSALEM, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Israeli soldiers near the Sinai border say they intercepted an attempt to smuggle an explosive device into the country from Egypt.

Arutz Shiva reported the smugglers escaped arrest Monday night but a package containing a large bomb was found the next morning. The device was safely neutralized, officials said.

The Israeli military has boosted patrols along the border in the southern Negev region.

"This additional incident again exposes the smuggling route on the western border that is exploited by terrorist organizations against Israeli civilians and soldiers," a military spokesman was quoted as saying.