On Sunday, a Palestinian man with Israeli citizenship launched a deadly shooting rampage across several towns in central Israel. The attacker killed one person and injured five others before being shot dead by the police. Initial concerns were raised about potential multiple attackers after several locations reported shootings. However, police later confirmed it was a single gunman and an accomplice.
Reports of the first shooting came from a gas station near Kokhav Yair, close to the West Bank boundary, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Additional reports followed from the towns of Tsur Natan, Tsur Yitzhak, and near the Israeli settlement of Sal’it in the West Bank.
Police later arrested a second suspect, who attempted to attack officers with a glass bottle during the arrest. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and investigations continue. Ariel Schalit from the AP documented the deployment of Israeli security forces at the scene at Tzur Yitzhak.
The attacker reportedly moved quickly from location to location by staying in his car during the shootings, according to Israel’s Channel 12. Magen David Adom confirmed the death of a 35-year-old Israeli man in Kokhav Yair. Among the wounded, two are in severe condition, while three suffered moderate injuries. Initial chaotic reports suggested six were injured.
Authorities instructed residents to remain indoors, and schools placed children in lockdown for approximately three hours. Oshrit Gani Gonen, head of the regional council, expressed surprise at discovering the attackers were Israeli citizens.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the swift response of security forces. Similarly, Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised their efforts in apprehending the attacker. Ben-Gvir’s remarks on the elimination of terrorists stirred controversy, and his tactics have drawn criticism from other Israeli leaders, especially his appeal to conservative voters amid upcoming elections.
Tensions in Israel and the West Bank have escalated since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched coordinated attacks into southern Israel, resulting in widespread casualties and kidnappings. Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza led to significant Palestinian casualties, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
Additionally, an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in the Gaza Strip targeted a police post in Khan Younis, causing the death of four Palestinians. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported the casualties and indicated at least 10 people were wounded. The Israeli military did not immediately comment but previously stated that it targets militants threatening its troops.