Palestinian Attacker Stabs Israeli, Flees, and Is Killed Hours Later

A Palestinian assailant infiltrated the Ma'oz Yehuda farm in the Samaria region on Monday morning, stabbing a 19-year-old Israeli who approached him. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper body, back, chest, and shoulders before managing to return to the farm. Emergency medical services reported the incident at 10:38 AM, with the victim's condition described as moderate to severe. He was treated at the scene and evacuated to Beilinson Hospital, where he was taken to surgery.

Following the attack, the assailant fled the scene in a vehicle. A large-scale manhunt was launched by IDF forces, including the Duvdevan unit, Unit 636, and the Nahal reconnaissance unit. Approximately one hour later, soldiers from the 411th Artillery Battalion located the attacker's vehicle outside a house in the village of Qabalan, also in Samaria. During a search of the house, the assailant attempted to stab the soldiers at close range and was killed by the company commander.

According to reports, the attacker arrived at the farm in a commercial vehicle, exited with a drawn knife, asked the farm owner about his weapon, and then began the stabbing. The IDF confirmed the incident, stating that soldiers located the attacker near his vehicle and that he was killed after attempting to stab them. The IDF reiterated its commitment to counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel's policy in Judea and Samaria is to pursue Palestinian terrorism, strengthen Jewish settlement, and maintain security stability, asserting that terrorism in the region is at its lowest level in decades. He also warned that if Palestinian security mechanisms escalate or if a large-scale attack is imminent, Israel is prepared to launch a full-scale war against the Palestinian Authority's leadership and infrastructure.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan called for a broad military operation, house-to-house searches for weapons, and the dismantling of terror support infrastructure. Tensions in Judea and Samaria are reportedly rising, with security officials concerned about a wave of attacks ahead of the holiday season. Recent operations have included the dismantling of a Hamas terror cell and the foiling of a planned attack by another cell.