An improvised explosive device (IED) was found Friday wedged into the stones of Joshua's altar on Mount Ebal, near Nablus (ancient Shechem) in Israel. It was clearly intended to harm visitors as well as damaging the archaeological site.

A bomb disposal unit of the Israel Police neutralized the device without incident, but this highlights the need for the IDF to secure Joshua's altar as this is not the first time attempts have been made to damage or destroy the site.