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

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, visited Itamar Cohen in the hospital after Cohen was seriously wounded in a stabbing attack in the Samaria region. Cohen, who owns the farm targeted in the attack, met with Dagan after surgery while conscious and able to communicate. During the visit, Dagan expressed support for Cohen and his family, praising their resilience.

Dagan pledged to reinforce the settlements and security in the area, stating, "We promise to build Samaria even more. We will strengthen the farms, accelerate construction of the new settlement planned near the attack site, and enhance security. Terror will not defeat us. Our response will be more settlement, more building, and more security." He also announced plans to advance the establishment of the "Shalem" settlement near the attack location and expand agricultural activities as part of the response.

Later the same day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Dagan, expressing deep shock over the attacks and wishing Cohen a full recovery. Herzog conveyed support to Cohen's wife, Shikma, and the family, and emphasized the hope that security forces would swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and restore safety to the region. Dagan reassured the president that the Samaria settlements remain strong and will continue to develop despite terrorist attempts to harm them.