A passer-by defused a bomb he found in a Jerusalem rubbish bin just before it was detonated today.
The bomb, consisting of two mortar shells, was apparently connected to a mobile phone, which was serving as a makeshift timer.
According to local police, an Israeli woman saw a pedestrian throw a bag into the bin in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Mea Shearim.
Her brother then opened the bag, finding the explosives. He ripped the wires connecting the phone to the mortar shells before alerting police. Moments later, the phone rang, with the ringing apparently meant to set off the bomb.
Police closed off the area and dismantled the bomb altogether. Two Palestinians found in the area were detained for questioning.
Israeli security has been on high alert in recent weeks for possible bombings by Palestinian militants.
AP