Two People Killed in Car‑Ram and Stabbing Attack in Israel, Officials Say

Incident Overview

On Saturday afternoon, a lone assailant drove a small sedan at high speed into a group of pedestrians near the central market of Jerusalem. After crashing, the driver exited the vehicle and began stabbing nearby bystanders with a knife. Emergency services arrived within minutes, but two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and several others sustained serious injuries.

Authorities’ Response

The Israeli police sealed off the area and launched a manhunt for additional suspects. Police Chief Yaakov Shabtai confirmed that the attacker was apprehended shortly after the assault and is currently being interrogated. “We are treating this as a terrorist act and will pursue every lead,” he said in a press briefing.

Context of Rising Tensions

The attack occurred amid a surge of violence in the Israeli‑occupied West Bank, where clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents have intensified over the past weeks. Human rights groups have warned that the growing frequency of such incidents threatens to further destabilize the region.

Reactions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the assault, calling it “a cowardly act of terror” and pledging “swift justice for the victims.” Palestinian Authority spokesperson Saeb Erekat expressed sorrow for the loss of life, urging both sides to “refrain from actions that inflame the already volatile situation.”

Investigation Ongoing

Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to determine whether the attacker acted alone or was part of a larger network. The Ministry of Public Security has announced a temporary increase in security measures at public venues across the country.