Two people have been killed in what police say was a 'rolling terror attack' in northern Israel.
Police stated that the attacker ran over a pedestrian in the eastern city of Beit Shean and then proceeded to stab a woman near Ein Harod, about 8 miles (12.5km) west of the initial incident. The suspect was later shot and wounded by a civilian outside Afula, as reported by police.
Shimshon Mordechai, a 68-year-old man, was killed in the ramming incident, while a 16-year-old boy sustained injuries. The stabbing victim has been identified as Aviv Maor, aged 18.
A day prior to this attack, an Israeli reservist was dismissed after being caught on video ramming a Palestinian who was praying with a quad bike.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the attacker hailed from Qabatiya village in the northern occupied West Bank. Following the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated its preparations for operations within the Qabatiya area, with Katz stressing the need for immediate military action.
Reports indicate the suspect had entered Israeli territory illegally several days before the attack. He was working in Israel without the proper authorization and used his employer's vehicle during the assault.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences to the families of the victims and commended the civilian who intervened to neutralize the attacker.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend; attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have surged recently, particularly in the context of the ongoing violence following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 individuals.
According to figures from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 70,600 people have died in Israeli attacks since then, significantly escalating the regional conflict.
Additional reporting by Tom McArthur
