Two Killed In Suspected Palestinian Car-Ramming, Stabbing Attack In North Israel

Last Updated:December 26, 2025, 22:15 IST

Israel Defense Forces said a preliminary investigation indicated that “the terrorist is an illegal resident who infiltrated Israeli territory several days ago.”

The IDF said additional forces were preparing to enter Qabatiya following the directive. (Representational image)

Two people were killed in a car-ramming and stabbing attack carried out by a Palestinian assailant in northern Israel, Israeli police said, describing the incident as a “rolling terror attack". According to police, the suspect- a Palestinian from the occupied West Bank- first rammed his vehicle into a 68-year-old Israeli pedestrian in the city of Beit She’an. He then drove to the area near the kibbutz of Ein Harod, where he stabbed a 17-year-old Israeli girl. A 16-year-old boy was also injured in the attack, Israel’s emergency medical service Magen David Adom said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later identified the victims as Shimshon Mordechai, 68 and Aviv Maor, 17. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces said a preliminary investigation indicated that “the terrorist is an illegal resident who infiltrated Israeli territory several days ago." Police said the attacker was eventually confronted by a civilian bystander in the nearby city of Afula and was taken to hospital in moderate condition.

Following the attack, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered military action in the West Bank city of Qabatiya, the suspect’s hometown near Jenin. Israel Katz said he had instructed the army “to act forcefully and immediately to locate and thwart every terrorist and terrorists’ infrastructure" in the area, warning that “anyone who assists terrorism or provides sponsorship and backing for terrorism will pay the full price."

The IDF said additional forces were preparing to enter Qabatiya following the directive.

Israel’s far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir seized on the attack to renew calls for legislation introducing the death penalty for terrorists, a proposal currently being advanced by the government at his insistence.

“Anyone who sets out to carry out an antisemitic terror attack must know Israel will not allow them to continue living and will send them straight to hell," Ben Gvir said.

Beit She’an and Afula are located in Israel’s northern Jezreel Valley, close to the northern West Bank.

News world Two Killed In Suspected Palestinian Car-Ramming, Stabbing Attack In North Israel

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