Palestinian Attacker Stabs Israeli Farmer in West Bank, Flees; Manhunt Underway

A Palestinian attacker stabbed an Israeli farmer on Monday at the "Maoz Yehuda" farm near the village of Ozarin in the Samaria region of the West Bank. The assailant arrived in a Palestinian commercial vehicle, exited with a knife, and attacked the farm owner, identified as Natanel ben Sarah, approximately 20 years old. The attacker reportedly first asked the victim about his weapon before stabbing him multiple times. The victim managed to reach his vehicle and return to the farm, where he received initial aid, including a tourniquet, before emergency services arrived.

Paramedics treated the victim, who was conscious with multiple stab wounds, and evacuated him to Beilinson Hospital in moderate to severe condition. His family has requested prayers for his recovery. Security forces, including the Duvdevan Unit, Unit 636, and the Nahal Brigade, have launched an extensive manhunt for the attacker. The terrorist's mobile phone was found at the scene, and his identity is known to security forces, aiding the investigation and pursuit.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the IDF will continue the pursuit until the attacker is apprehended. He also outlined a severe escalation scenario: if Palestinian Authority security mechanisms or affiliated groups launch an attack similar to October 7th, or if Israel receives certain intelligence of such an intent, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gallant have instructed the IDF to prepare for a broad war against PA officials, their forces, and terror infrastructure in the West Bank. Gallant emphasized that Israel would not allow a prolonged intifada but would conduct a decisive campaign, potentially including targeted eliminations, destruction of terror infrastructure, and evacuation of populations from hostile areas.

Local leaders, including the head of the Binyamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council, Yisrael Gantz, condemned the attack, highlighting the vulnerability of farms and settlers on the front lines of Israel's security. Gantz called for a strong and offensive response while advocating for continued settlement expansion. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also sent well wishes to the injured and supported the security forces' efforts, emphasizing the need for a strong national camp to develop settlements in Judea and Samaria, which he described as Israel's security buffer.