Arson and Stabbing Attack in West Bank Settlements Controlled, Investigation Completed

A complex incident unfolded early afternoon at Derech Avraham Farm in the West Bank, where a fire suspected to be a deliberate nationalist arson drew civilians into an open area. There, two terrorists carried out a stabbing attack against one of the civilians. The attackers were neutralized on the spot. Firefighting forces have confirmed the fire was intentionally set as part of a coordinated and dangerous combined attack aimed not only at damaging property and settlements but also at luring civilians into a trap for the stabbing assault.

The fire investigator conducted a thorough examination of the fire's origin near the farm and definitively concluded it was arson. Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke with Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, and with Itamar Cohen, the stabbing victim, before the terrorists were neutralized. Katz wished Cohen a speedy recovery, praised his longstanding contributions to the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria, and expressed hope for his quick return to his important work developing the farm and strengthening regional security.

The Defense Ministry emphasized that Israel will continue to fight terrorism firmly, protect its citizens, and reinforce the settlements in Judea and Samaria.