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Attack unfolds across multiple locations
Israeli police reported a series of violent incidents on Friday that left two people dead and another injured in the country's north. Authorities described the events as a "rolling terror attack."
Timeline of the assault
The attacker first struck in Beit Shean, an eastern Israeli city, where he rammed a vehicle into a pedestrian. He then drove approximately 8 miles (12.5 km) westward to Ein Harod, where he stabbed a woman before fleeing. The assailant was later shot and wounded by a civilian near Afula, police confirmed.
Victims identified
Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency medical service, stated that a 68-year-old man died in the vehicle attack in Beit Shean. A 16-year-old boy was also injured in the same incident. The stabbing victim in Ein Harod was an 18-year-old woman, according to the service.
Suspect's background and motives
Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the attacker as a 37-year-old man from the West Bank village of Qabatiya, located in the northern occupied territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the suspect had "infiltrated into Israeli territory several days ago."
Kan News, Israel's public broadcaster, reported that the man had been working illegally in Israel and used his employer's vehicle during the attack.
Military response underway
Following the attack, the IDF announced preparations for an operation in the Qabatiya area. Defense Minister Katz instructed the military to act "forcefully and immediately," according to official statements.
"The IDF will respond with full force to this act of terror," Katz said.
