The idea was suggested to police by Rabbi Eliezer Fisher.

The newspaper Maariv said rabbinical authorities had sanctioned the plan to use the product - considered impure by Jews and Muslims - if it might save lives.

Police had no immediate comment on the proposal, according to Reuters news agency.

Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Yaacov Edri said he supported the proposal.

"If bags of pig lard will prevent zealous Muslim terrorists from carrying out attacks, I'm all for it," Maariv quoted him as saying.