In a terror attack in the Sharon region in central Israel on Sunday, a 35-year-old Israeli man was killed. Five others were injured after a terrorist opened fire at several locations near Kochav Ya’ir, Tzur Natan, Tzur Yitzhak, and Sal’it. Security forces launched a large-scale manhunt.
According to emergency services and security forces, the series of attacks began at a gas station in Kochav Ya’ir. Two men were wounded by gunfire there, one seriously and one moderately. The attacker then continued driving and opened fire at additional locations.
At the entrance to Tzur Yitzhak, another man was moderately injured. Shortly afterward, emergency responders found two more victims on Route 5533 near Tzur Natan. One of the men was initially in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries. The second injured person is being treated in a hospital and is in serious condition.
The terrorist also fired at the security post of the moshav Sal’it. No one was injured there. The local security coordinator opened fire on the attacker, who initially managed to escape.
In total, five people were injured in the attack. Two of them are in serious condition, and three others sustained moderate injuries.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops, together with police and other security forces, were deployed to the area immediately after the first reports.
“The forces neutralized the terrorist at the scene. Together with additional security and rescue forces, they are conducting extensive searches of the area to locate possible additional suspects and are providing medical assistance to the injured,” the army said.
During the manhunt, an alert was issued in Tzur Yitzhak. Residents were instructed not to leave their homes, as there were initial concerns that additional terrorists might be in the area.
The attacker was ultimately shot dead by security forces. At the same time, the search for a possible additional accomplice is ongoing. Investigators are currently examining the exact circumstances of the attack and whether other individuals were involved.
The attack took place only a few kilometers from the Green Line. Security forces remain on heightened alert in the region as the investigation continues.
Update: Security forces later announced that, according to the current assessment, the attack was carried out by a lone terrorist. Immediately after the shooting, police and military forces searched for possible additional attackers and instructed residents of several communities to remain inside their homes. These search operations have since been concluded. According to police, the terrorist who was shot dead was an Arab citizen of Israel. The investigation into the motives and circumstances of the attack is ongoing.
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