Police Investigate Whether Lod Stabbing Incident Was Terror Attempt or Mental Health Crisis

On July 1, 2026, police in Lod responded to a report from a citizen about a suspicious man carrying a knife near a school. When officers arrived, the suspect fled and later approached a Border Police officer with a knife, attempting to stab him. The officer, fearing for his life, shot and neutralized the suspect. No officers were injured in the incident.

Initially, the police labeled the event as a terror attempt. However, a source familiar with the investigation told N12 that it is unclear why the police quickly announced it as such. The suspect, a man in his twenties from Lod, is known to social services due to mental health issues and has been hospitalized in a psychiatric facility in the past. The source indicated the suspect comes from a respected local family and suggested the police statement caused unnecessary panic among residents, especially as summer camps had just started.

Police maintain that the Shin Bet remains involved in the investigation and that the primary assumption is still that this was a terror attempt, with all possibilities being examined. According to police, the suspect was seen trying to enter a mosque before the incident, but the door was locked. He then headed toward the city hall before fleeing from police and attacking the officer.

Central District Commander Amir Cohen held a situation assessment and assigned the investigation to the district’s major crimes unit. He stated the investigation continues according to the terror assessment and that a joint review with Shin Bet will follow. Cohen expressed full support for the officer who acted in self-defense and emphasized the police’s commitment to public safety.