A 24-year-old Israeli was moderately wounded in a stabbing attack near the Palestinian village of Al-Auja in the Jordan Valley on Sunday morning. The attacker managed to flee after the assault. Israeli security forces subsequently launched a large-scale manhunt, which has since been extended to Jericho.
According to reports from the Israeli military, the attack took place in the area of Al-Auja on Route 90, north of Jericho. The Israeli had stopped there to visit roadside shops. Footage of the attack shows the perpetrator attacking the man from behind and stabbing him multiple times as he returned to his vehicle.
כוחות צה”ל ממשיכים במרדף הנרחב אחר המחבל: נמשכות הסריקות במרחב לאיתורו בכפר עוג’ה ובעיר יריחו
כוחות צה”ל מנהלים מרדף אחר המחבל בכפר עוג’ה, בעיר יריחו ובכל המרחב. הכוחות מתחקרים חשודים ומבצעים עבודת איסוף ומודיעין לאיתור המחבל pic.twitter.com/XLNISIYKcn
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) August 23, 2026
The Magen David Adom rescue service initially treated the 24-year-old on the scene. He was then taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. The hospital later announced that the injured man was in stable condition and fully conscious. He is being treated for moderate injuries in the emergency room.
Immediately after the attack, the IDF, together with the Israel Police, began an extensive search for the perpetrator. Roadblocks were set up and additional forces were deployed to the region. Among those participating in the manhunt are soldiers from the Duvdevan special forces unit, the 636 reconnaissance unit, and the Jordan Valley Division. Israeli Air Force assets were also deployed in the search.
Israel Police officers and forensic investigators from the Judea and Samaria District have opened an investigation following a suspected terror stabbing attack near Auja on Route 90
According to initial findings, a civilian in his 20s stopped his vehicle near a commercial center… pic.twitter.com/UmoIAd4H8m
— Israel Police (@israelpolice) August 23, 2026
During the course of the morning, the military expanded the manhunt to Jericho. According to the IDF, security forces continue to search Al-Auja and the surrounding areas. Suspects are being interrogated and intelligence information is being gathered in order to locate the fugitive terrorist.
Al-Auja is located approximately eight kilometers north of Jericho on Route 90, one of the main north-south routes in the Jordan Valley. The road is used by both Israelis and Palestinians.
Hamas welcomed the attack. However, the organization has not yet claimed responsibility for the act.
The manhunt for the perpetrator is ongoing.
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