Two police officers stabbed in Jerusalem's Old City

The lightly injured officers were evacuated to a local hospital.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Israeli police officers stand guard on the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem's Old City (photo credit: REUTERS)
Israeli police officers stand guard on the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem's Old City
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Two Border Police officers were lightly wounded Friday morning when an unidentified Arab man stabbed them in Jerusalem’s Old City. The unprovoked attack came as thousands of Muslims exited the area upon concluding prayers at al-Aksa Mosque.
According to Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, the attack took place near the Lion’s Gate at approximately 6:30 a.m., when the assailant used a knife to stab the first officer, 19, in the neck, and the second officer, 35, in the arm.
The assailant then fled the scene and Magen David Adom paramedics arrived shortly thereafter to administer first aid to both officers before transferring them by ambulance to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem for treatment, Rosenfeld said.
“Undercover and regular police units searched the area for the suspect but an arrest has not been made,” Rosenfeld said Saturday. “Police will review surveillance footage and continue searching until he is found.”
Following the attack, Jerusalem District Police Chief Moshe Edri issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack and pledged to find the suspect.
“This attack on officers is a serious incident and the Jerusalem Police will act quickly and apprehend the terrorist,” he said.
The assault follows months of ongoing tensions between Muslims and Jews throughout the capital, which has necessitated emergency police measures, including 1,000 extra police officers, aerial reconnaissance balloons and a municipal patrol.
Despite Friday’s attack, rioting and violence in the city has largely leveled off over the past several weeks.