Shooting Rampage by Palestinian with Israeli Citizenship in Central Israel

On Sunday, a Palestinian man with Israeli citizenship went on a shooting spree in central Israel, resulting in one death and five injuries. Israeli police confirmed that they killed the attacker.

The initial concern was that multiple attackers might have been involved, recalling the Hamas-led attacks from October 2023. However, police later confirmed it was a lone gunman with an accomplice.

Rescue services, Magen David Adom, reported the first shooting at a gas station near Kokhav Yair, on the Israeli side near the West Bank boundary, around 10:30 a.m. Subsequent shootings were reported in Tsur Natan, Tsur Yitzhak, and near the Sal’it settlement in the West Bank.

A second person connected to the attack was arrested later on Sunday. During the arrest, the individual attempted to stab police with a glass bottle but injured no one. Ongoing investigations continue.

Channel 12 in Israel stated the shooter remained in his car, allowing a quick transition between locations. A 35-year-old Israeli man died in Kokhav Yair, and one victim fled to a McDonald’s. Five were injured, with two in severe condition and three moderately hurt. Early reports wrongly stated six were injured.

Residents were advised to remain indoors, and schools enforced a lockdown for at least three hours, according to the area’s regional council head, Oshrit Gani Gonen. Gonen noted the surprise of attackers being Israeli citizens.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir commended the swift response of security forces. Ben-Gvir shared a video next to a blurred image of the attacker’s body, emphasizing the necessity of eliminating terrorists.

Tensions continue in Israel and the West Bank since the Gaza war started in October 2023. In past incidents, Hamas-led militants invaded southern Israel, claiming around 1,200 lives and taking 251 hostages.

On the same Sunday, an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip reportedly killed at least four Palestinians, as reported by the Palestinian Red Crescent. The strike targeted a police point in Khan Younis, resulting in additional injuries. The Israeli military has stated its aims target militants threatening its forces.