Attempted terrorist attack south of Jerusalem

A terrorist stabbing attack was foiled south of Jerusalem Monday afternoon.

The attempted terror attack occurred at the Gush Etzion Junction just south of the capital, when an Arab terrorist brandishing a knife attempted to carry out a stabbing attack.

The terrorist was driven to the junction, then exited the vehicle and attempted to stab soldiers and civilians.

Israeli soldiers stationed at the junction opened fire, killing the terrorist before he could reach any of his intended victims.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Yigal Mizrachi, who was one of the first responders at the scene said, “When I arrive at the scene the security forces had already neutralized the attacker, and thankfully there were no other people injured in the incident.”

“A report has been received of an attempted terrorist stabbing attack next to the Gush Etzion Junction in the Etzion Regional District,” an IDF spokesperson said.

“Following the initial report, an assailant arrived in a vehicle at the Gush Etzion Junction. The assailant, armed with a knife, got out of the vehicle and attempted to stab an IDF soldier. The soldier fired towards the assailant and neutralized him. No IDF injuries were reported. IDF troops are currently pursuing the assailant’s vehicle.”

The driver who brought the terrorist to the junction fled the scene.

Israeli security forces, including the IDF, Shin Bet, and police, have launched a manhunt for the driver.

Gush Etzion Regional Council Head Shlomo Ne’eman responded to the attempted terror attack, saying in a statement Monday afternoon: “Today’s attempt to harm the State of Israel along with Judea and Samaria was thwarted thanks to our brave troops. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts. To the terrorists – your fate is death, as we will be in our homeland forever.”

Source: INN