IDF: Attempted stabbing attack in West Bank, assailant killed

The attack comes on a tension-filled day in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JULY 28, 2017 18:05
IDF soldier at West Bank checkpoint at Gush Etzion Junction. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
IDF soldier at West Bank checkpoint at Gush Etzion Junction.
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
A Palestinian attempted to carry out a stabbing attack on Friday afternoon at the Gush Etzion junction in the West Bank, according to the IDF.
According to an army statement, the assailant arrived at the scene with a knife and ran towards IDF forces. The forces fired at the attacker.
The assailant was neutralized and later died from his wounds. No civilians were reported to be wounded in the attack.
The assailant was mentally unstable, according to Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Major General Yoav Mordechai. He stated that some Palestinians "encourage people with mental problems to commit suicide in such a way, and then use it for nationalistic ends."
Mordechai added, "We are sorry that he was killed, but the blame is on the instigators who let him to go to the junction, pull out a knife and run toward IDF soldiers."
The attack comes after clashes were reported in the West Bank between Palestinians and the IDF following Friday prayers, particularly in Bethlehem, Nablus, Kalkilya, Hebron, Kafr Qadum, and the Tomb of Rachel.
The Palestine Red Crescent said that one Palestinian was wounded by live fire, two by rubber coated metal bullets and ten from tear gas inhalation during clashes in Bethlehem.