Four people were killed and several injured in yesterday’s terrorist attack in the Binyamin region. The attack happened at a gas station near the Jewish settlement of Eli when two terrorists pulled up in a vehicle and opened fire. They shot at a security guard who was moderately injured. They then continued their attack by spraying gunfire at a nearby restaurant, injuring five other people. The names of the terror victims have been announced.

Matanya Olami, who shot the terrorist who murdered four Israelis near Eli, is the son of a founder of the Otniel Yeshiva who was murdered in a terror attack nearly 30 years ago. pic.twitter.com/OOqy55Td35

— Israel National News – Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) June 21, 2023

One of the four injured in the deadly terrorist attack is Matanya Olami, the son of one of the founders of the Otniel Yeshiva. Olami’s father, Rabbi Ami Olami, was rabbi of Otniel and was assassinated by terrorists nearly 30 years ago. Olami himself lives in Elon Moreh, is married and has children. Despite his injuries sustained in the exchange of fire with one of the terrorists, he managed to return fire and incapacitate him. The second terrorist initially managed to escape, but was tracked down and eliminated by security forces about two hours later.

Since the start of 2023, there have been 152 terrorist shooting attacks resulting in the death of 22 individuals and 43 wounded. Israel will continue to fight terrorism with full force and will defeat it.🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/qmudOhTjDr

— Embassy of Israel to the USA | #IsraelUSA75 (@IsraelinUSA) June 20, 2023

Two of the victims, Elisha Antman (17) and Harel Masoud (21), were buried Tuesday night. Antman’s funeral took place in Eli, while Masoud was buried in the cemetery of Moshav Yesodot, a Jewish Orthodox village in central Israel’s Nahal Sorek region.

Harel Masood’s funeral last night. Photo: Liron Moldovan/Flash90

The other two fatalities have been identified as Oder Fairman, a 60-year-old resident of Eli, and Nachman Shmuel Mordoff, a 17-year-old resident of Ahiya.

In usual fashion, Palestinians are distributing sweets to celebrate the murder of four innocent Israelis in a shooting attack this afternoon.

This kind of incitement and hate leads to horrific terrorist attacks like the one we saw near Eli today. pic.twitter.com/2uNJcUcNx5

— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) June 20, 2023

On the Palestinian side, the murder of four Jews was celebrated by handing out sweets. Sadly, this is nothing new.

Political reactions

The attack triggered a wave of outrage and calls for decisive action. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded a military operation in Samaria. He stressed the need to carry out targeted aerial killings, demolish buildings, set up roadblocks and expel terrorists. He also called for the death penalty to be introduced for terrorists. He called on the people of Judea and Samaria to carry a gun if they have a license, as it could save lives. His words underscore the tense security situation in the region and the need to take decisive action against terrorist threats.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir at the scene of the attack. Photo: Nadav Goldstein/TPS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the deadly attack last night and said:

“Today, next to the community of Eli, a shocking and abhorrent terrorist attack was perpetrated. From the depths of my heart, I send condolences to the families of those who were murdered, may G-d avenge them, and on behalf of the entire people, I send my best wishes for a swift recovery to the wounded.

“Our forces are now working on the ground in order to settle accounts with the murderers. In recent months, we have already proven that we do settle accounts with all of the murderers, without exception. Those who have attacked us are either in the grave or in prison, and so it will be here.

“I would like to remind all those who seek to harm us: All options are open. We will continue to fight terrorism with full force and we will defeat it.”