Attempted Terror Attack Foiled at West Bank Farm; Perpetrator Neutralized

Israeli forces responded Monday to a report of a vehicle fire and two assailants near the village of Rimon in the Benjamin region. One assailant, armed with a knife, was neutralized by an Israeli civilian after setting a car ablaze at the Hanina Farm outpost, located near the American Academy in Rimon. Initial findings suggest the Palestinian attacker arrived with a lighter and other equipment, appearing prepared for an attack. Residents of the farm approached the suspect, who then threatened them with the knife. The residents then struck the attacker with their vehicle, stopping his actions without sustaining injuries. Many IDF soldiers were deployed to the area, searching for a second suspect who fled the scene. The Head of the Benjamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council, Israel Gantz, stated that the incident underscores the critical role of farm outposts in defending the area. He emphasized that the quick response of residents and soldiers prevented further harm, but warned against complacency, noting a recent increase in attacks in the region, including an assault on residents near Ma'oz Tzur, an attempted weapon snatch, and a dummy explosive device found on Route 463. Gantz cited recent fatal and injurious attacks, including the murder of Natanel Shicron in Naveh Tzuf and the injury of Neria Dov Leiter at a checkpoint, as evidence of rising Palestinian aggression. He called for immediate action against terrorists and their backers, asserting that settlers would continue to expand and strengthen their presence in the land.