A horrific multi-phase terror attack unfolded in northern Israel on Friday, December 26, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli civilians and leaving two others wounded. The assailant, identified by officials as a Palestinian from the West Bank, carried out a violent ramming and stabbing spree before being shot and neutralized.
Sequence of a Deadly Attack
The attack began in the city of Beit She'an and concluded near Afula, with the perpetrator striking at several locations along the way. According to police reports, the assailant first used a vehicle as a weapon, ramming into civilians. He then continued his assault with a knife in a stabbing spree that spread panic across the area.
The swift actions of a civilian passerby ultimately stopped the attack. This individual shot and neutralized the attacker, preventing further potential casualties. The entire incident has sent shockwaves through the communities in northern Israel and the broader nation.
Victims Identified, Nation Mourns
The two civilians who lost their lives in this brutal assault have been named. They are 19-year-old Aviv Maor and 68-year-old Mordechai Shimshon. The loss of a young life and an elderly citizen has plunged their families and the country into mourning. Two other individuals sustained injuries during the attack and are receiving medical treatment.
Israeli leaders have uniformly and vehemently condemned the act of terror. The attack has highlighted ongoing security tensions, particularly in areas close to the West Bank border.
Security Reinforced and Vows of Response
In the immediate aftermath, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reinforced security measures in the region. Military officials have vowed to take forceful action in response to the attack. The incident is expected to lead to heightened security operations and a tightening of protocols.
The deadly event underscores the fragile security situation and the persistent threat of violence faced by Israelis. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the victims and the nation's response to this act of terror.