Samaria Council Head Visits Stabbing Victim, Vows to Strengthen Settlement and Security

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, visited Itamar Cohen, who was seriously injured in a stabbing attack in Samaria on Thursday. Cohen, a farm owner, was conscious and able to speak after surgery when Dagan met him at the hospital. During the visit, Dagan offered support to Cohen and his family and praised his resilience. He promised that the response to the attack would be to strengthen settlement construction, farming activity, and security in the area. "We promise to build Samaria even more," Dagan said, emphasizing faster development of the new settlement planned near the attack site and enhanced security measures.

Dagan also noted that the council would accelerate efforts to establish the new settlement of Shalem and expand agricultural operations in the region. He expressed solidarity with Cohen’s family and stated that the entire Israeli nation is praying for Cohen’s recovery. Later, the President of Israel called Dagan to express shock over the attacks, offer support to the local residents, and wish Cohen a full recovery. The President also urged security forces to swiftly bring the attackers to justice and restore safety to the area.

Dagan responded by affirming the steadfastness of Samaria’s residents and settlers, stating that they will not be broken by terrorism. He reiterated that alongside security operations, the response will include continued settlement development, strengthening of farms, and advancing the construction of the new community.