A Palestinian Islamist had reportedly stabbed an IDF reserve soldier in the West Bank Hativa Square near the city of Nablus. Bystanders responded to the incident by opening fire toward the Palestinian attacker, however the assailant managed to flee the scene unharmed. The IDF reservist was evacuated to a medical facility, in moderate condition, for further treatment. Following the incident, a wide spread manhunt was launched by the IDF, Israeli security Services and Border Police forces. Several hours later, the suspect was located and apprehended by YAMAM, which is the Israeli Border Police Counter-Terrorism SWAT unit. According to Colonel Sagiv Dahan, IDF Shomron Regional Brigade Commander, “A short while ago, the terrorist who committed the terror attack in the Hativa Square earlier this afternoon was caught. This was possible because of Intelligence and operational activity and the cooperation of the IDF, ISA, Police and border Police forces. Our mission is to continue to strengthen the safety and to ensure protection and quality of life to the Shomron residents.” Meanwhile, the efforts to apprehend the terrorist who committed the deadly shooting attack in the Barkan industrial zone, earlier this week, continues. Several suspects were apprehended across the West Bank for questioning. No further details were given regarding the ongoing operation.
