TEL AVIV [MENL] -- The Israel military has determined that Palestinian insurgents were preparing to launch mortar and rocket attacks against Jerusalem.

Israeli military sources said Palestinian insurgents have smuggled mortars and launchers into the Palestinian suburbs around Jerusalem. They said insurgency groups have already obtained an unknown supply of mortars and launchers for future operations.

"The Palestinians have exploited the easing of travel restrictions and the decrease in roadblocks in some areas," a military source said.

On Oct. 16, Israeli troops detained a 50-year-old Palestinian who sought to smuggle a mortar shell in Bir Zeit, north of Ramallah. The sources said the mortar shell and an extra firing mechanism were found in the trunk of the Palestinian's vehicle, which was halted at a military roadblock.