Palestinian security source cast doubt Monday on Israeli news reports alleging young men opened fire at an Israeli patrol car south of Hebron overnight.

The incident, where young men were said to have attacked an Israeli military patrol car near the Nahal Negohot settlement, was reported by several Israeli media outlets, all unsourced.

The Palestinian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said security services learned from the Israeli liaison department that the news reports about shooting in the area were false.

The source said the fire was likely caused by Israeli settlers in the area, who had been causing trouble for soldiers since a court ruling opened the main road near the settlement to Palestinian traffic.

South of Hebron, Israeli forces detained nine Palestinians following the report. It was unclear whether the arrests were related.

Following the initial reports, Israeli sources claimed that soldiers scanning the area found a handgun and cartridge clips, but an Israeli military spokesman was unable to confirm the find.