Samaria Council Head Calls for Strong Response After Terror Attack

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, responded Wednesday evening to a severe car-ramming attack on Highway 443, which critically injured a 30-year-old reservist from the Samaria region. Dagan stated that the council would support the wounded soldier and his family, and called for a firm response against terrorism.

"We pray with all residents of Samaria for the recovery of the wounded and strengthen his family during this difficult time," Dagan said following the attack. He added that council and community members would stand by the family, offering assistance to the victim support system and the family, and would help "to the best of our ability." He emphasized that "all of the people of Israel are united in prayer for his recovery."

The attack occurred Wednesday afternoon at a checkpoint on Highway 443, near Beit Horon in the Benjamin region. The reservist, a 30-year-old Samaria resident, sustained very serious head injuries and was evacuated unconscious, sedated, and on a ventilator to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

Initial investigations suggest the attacker drove his vehicle towards a police car and rammed the victim. Security forces at the scene opened fire, neutralizing the attacker. Colonel Anan Faris, commander of the Benjamin Brigade, was present with reserve IDF forces who eliminated the terrorist and were manning the checkpoint during the incident. He commended the soldiers, urging them to continue their mission of securing the area, acknowledging that further attacks could occur.

Dagan also addressed the broader fight against terrorism, urging increased action. "Against murderous terrorism, we must act with a heavy hand and restore deterrence," he stated. He concluded by sending strength to the security forces "on the front lines guarding the citizens of Israel."