Man Arrested for Stabbing Two Children in Beit Shemesh, One Dead

Israeli police have extended the detention of a 26-year-old Beit Shemesh resident suspected of stabbing two children in the city earlier this week. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when the two minors, aged 7 and 4, were playing in an inflatable pool in the yard of a home. The suspect reportedly arrived at the residence hours before the attack, briefly spoke with the homeowner, left, and then returned to stab the children. The 7-year-old, Hillel Mordechai Dadon, died from his injuries, while the 4-year-old was critically wounded and hospitalized.

The suspect was arrested near the scene shortly after the attack and is being interrogated by the Jerusalem District Police. Police commander Ashtalom Peled held a special briefing following the arrest. According to police, the suspect lives nearby with his brother in their father's home. At the time of the attack, the children's mother was away shopping, and a 15-year-old relative was supervising them. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect cleaning a bloodied knife believed to be the weapon used.

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack and have seized the knife for forensic examination. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading to the stabbing. The suspect's detention has been extended until the following Tuesday. Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the violent act against the innocent children, describing the community as deeply shaken.

Summary: A 26-year-old man in Beit Shemesh stabbed two children playing in a yard, killing a 7-year-old and critically injuring a 4-year-old. The suspect was arrested nearby and remains in custody as police investigate the motive and circumstances of the attack.