Palestinian Terrorist Who Murdered Israeli Man Captured After Hospital Escape

A 30-year-old Israeli father of six, Netanel Shkaron, was killed in a shooting attack near the Ein Ra'aya spring in the Benjamin region, close to the settlement of Neve Tzuf, on Sunday morning, just hours before Yom Kippur. The terrorist opened fire on Shkaron's vehicle, which he was traveling in with his eldest son, who was unharmed.

A soldier at the scene returned fire, and the assailant fled on foot. After a three-hour manhunt, Israeli security forces apprehended the terrorist in a Ramallah hospital, where he had sought treatment for injuries sustained during the attack. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, visited the scene and ordered a lockdown of the area, a continued search for accomplices, and the sealing and demolition of the terrorist's home.

"The IDF is on high alert, deployed and prepared with reinforced forces in all sectors, including during the fast. Our mission is clear and continues: to thwart terror, act decisively against any threat, and protect the citizens of Israel," Halevi stated. The terrorist reportedly used a red vehicle with Palestinian license plates and fled on foot while still armed.

Numerous IDF units, including the Benjamin Regional Brigade and the Duvdevan Unit, along with Israeli police, participated in the extensive pursuit. Palestinian reports indicated the closure of checkpoints around Ramallah following the capture. Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan called for increased activity in Palestinian villages, weapons confiscation, and the reinstatement of security checkpoints.

Paramedic David Trachtenberg described finding the victim with multiple gunshot wounds, unconscious, and initiating life-saving treatment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that "no terrorist is immune, nor are those who assisted them. We will settle accounts with all of them." He also ordered reinforced operations, lockdowns, and offensive actions in the West Bank, including the immediate demolition of the terrorist's home. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant added that security forces are prepared for enemies seeking to carry out attacks on the Jewish people's holiest day.