Teenager Killed, Driver Injured in Violent Confrontation in Hadera

A 17-year-old from the Itamar settlement in the Samaria region, Amichai Atia, was fatally struck by a vehicle in Hadera early Friday morning. The driver, a resident of the village of Kafr Mandi, was subsequently shot and lightly injured. The incident occurred after a dispute erupted between high school students and the driver at the Village shopping complex. Amichai Atia had arrived with other students from the Hitzim Yeshiva in Itamar for a Selichot event organized by the Olga Yeshiva and the Hadera municipality. According to the students, the driver, who was unloading goods, intentionally made noise during prayers. When they asked him to be quiet, an argument ensued. Video footage shows the students running towards the commercial vehicle, which initially reversed before accelerating and hitting Atia. Paramedics attempted resuscitation but were forced to declare him dead at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. The driver was arrested and claimed he feared for his life and was trying to escape. One of the teenagers was also detained. Police have emphasized that the motive appears to be criminal, with no indication of a nationalistic terror attack. The investigation is ongoing.

Separately, the article notes other violent incidents overnight, including a man in his 30s found dead in Ashkelon after an apparent act of violence, and a 23-year-old man seriously injured in a stabbing in Haifa. Police are investigating both incidents, which are believed to have criminal motives.