Police Investigate Possible Terror Attempt or Mental Health Incident in Lod Stabbing Case

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 while holding the knife. The officer, fearing for his life, shot and neutralized the suspect. No officers were injured in the incident.

Initially, the police described the event as a "terror attempt." However, a source familiar with the investigation told N12 that it is unclear why the police issued this statement so quickly. The suspect, a man in his 20s from Lod, is known to social services due to mental health issues and has previously been hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. The source noted that the suspect comes from a respected local family and that the police statement caused panic among residents, especially since summer camps had just started.

The police emphasized that the Shin Bet remains involved in the investigation and that the primary assumption is still that this was a terror attempt, though all possibilities are being examined. According to the 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, fled from police, and eventually tried to stab the Border Police officer.

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