Attempted attack thwarted: Police arrested a Palestinian armed with an ax who intended to harm Israelis

During a police operation at the Tapuach junction, police stopped a suspicious vehicle - and found a 22-year-old Palestinian armed with an ax and a suicide note, who intended to carry out a "revenge" attack.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect wandered around the Samaria area for about an hour and was looking for Israelis who were standing alone to hit them with the ax in his possession.

Amir Bohbot

16/05/2022

Monday, 16 May 2022, 07:36 Updated: 07:48

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The ax found in the Palestinian's vehicle (Photo: Israel Police spokeswoman)

Police arrested a 22-year-old Palestinian armed with an ax in the Samaria area last night (Monday).

Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect wandered around the area for about an hour, looking for Israelis standing alone to hit them with the ax in his possession.

A search of the Palestinian's vehicle turned up a suicide note, which stated that he was on his way to carry out a "revenge" attack.

The arrest was made during a police-initiated activity during the night at Tapuach Junction.

The police stopped a vehicle that raised their suspicion and searched it, so the ax and the letter were in the possession of the suspect, a Palestinian resident of al-Bira.

The commander of the area, Lt. Col. Haim Sargrof, said that "the vigilance of the police and the pursuit of contact probably prevented a major attack. We will continue with determination and professionalism together with the other security forces to protect the security of Israeli citizens anywhere and anytime."

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The ax found in the Palestinian's vehicle (Photo: Israel Police spokeswoman)

During the night, an exchange of gunfire was carried out between IDF forces and Palestinians during an arrest operation suspected of terrorist activity in the village of al-Yamun near Jenin; no casualties were reported. In the villages of Beituniya, Akhtabta and in the city of Tulkarm.

In the village of El Bira, five wanted persons were arrested, including the Palestinian with the ax.

A total of nine wanted persons suspected of terrorist activity were arrested last night, who were transferred for questioning by security forces.

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• Army and Security

Tags

• Samaria

• Attempted attack

• Palestinians