In brief
A 35‑year‑old Israeli Arab opened fire from a vehicle, killing one citizen and leaving five wounded before being shot down by police near Kokhav Yair. Authorities say the attacker had a criminal record, and a second suspect was arrested. Israeli officials noted new death‑penalty rules for terror attacks and withdrew checkpoints in nearby West Bank towns.
In a tragic incident that unfolded early this morning, a 35‑year‑old Israeli Arab allegedly opened fire from a car at several locations in Israel, resulting in one death and injuries to five other civilians. According to the Israeli emergency service organisation Magen David Adom (MDA), the victim—a man in his 30s—suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Two of the injured were reported in serious condition, while the remaining three were in moderate condition, with penetrating injuries sustained during the attack.
Security forces engaged the suspect at Kokhav Yair, a town near the occupied West Bank, shooting him. The weapon and car used were recovered at the scene. Police charged that the attacker had a prior criminal record, and an alleged accomplice was arrested after claiming involvement in the shooting. Attempts were made by this second suspect to attack officers during the incident.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as “heinous terrorism,” and Foreign Minister Israel presumably reported compliance with the new death‑penalty legislation applicable to terrorist convictions, noting its application to Israeli Arabs. The incident coincided with the closure of checkpoints at the entrances to Tulkarem and nearby Qalqilya in the West Bank, following reports of increased security measures in the region.
Image caption: Israeli emergency personnel at the scene of the shooting.
