Terrorist Neutralized After Ramming Attack Near Israeli Checkpoint

A Palestinian terrorist rammed his vehicle into a security forces member near the Maccabim checkpoint on Route 443 on Tuesday afternoon, in an attack captured on video. The footage shows the attacker accelerating towards the sidewalk, hitting the security personnel, and then being neutralized at the scene. The security forces member sustained serious injuries.

The attacker was identified as 29-year-old Mahmoud Suleiman from the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta. The incident occurred just three days after a deadly shooting attack in the Benjamin region, where Natanel Shicron was killed.

In response to the escalating security situation in Judea and Samaria, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi made an unusual decision to activate the 98th Division's command in the Central Command area. This marks the first time since the early 2000s that Judea and Samaria will be under the responsibility of two division commands. The 98th Division will take command of the Judean and Etzion brigades, receiving a portion of the area from the Judea and Samaria Division.

The IDF stated that the decision was made based on situation assessments and the Chief of Staff's directive, aiming to strengthen command and control and enhance defensive and offensive capabilities in the region. The military emphasized that this move is a response to recent events and a desire to increase security during this tense period, adding that ongoing assessments continue.