A shooting attack on an Israeli vehicle in the West Bank Thursday killed Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Elhanan Ariel Klein, after the car overturned.
Klein, 29, was married with three children from Enav in the West Bank.
One year ago Klein received an excellency award for killing a terrorist. While driving, he noticed a man throw a brick at an Israeli vehicle near Beit El, who then tried to open the doors of the vehicle. Klein neutralized the terrorist.
According to Ynet, he said at the time of the award ceremony: “I felt that I acted correctly and from wanting to protect my people. I am happy I prevented an incident that could have ended very differently.”
A fallen hero
Thursday’s attack occurred near the Beit Lid intersection, close to Enav and Shavei Shomron. Klein was wearing his IDF uniform when the terrorists overtook his vehicle, and fired at it. Klein lost control, veered off the lane and the vehicle flipped over. He was declared dead at the scene by Magen David Adom paramedics.
The IDF has begun a search for the killers, closing off roads in the area.
A security source told Ynet: “In a comprehensive operation to thwart terror attacks since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, we have succeeded in preventing dozens; unfortunately we did not succeed in preventing this one. Their hours are numbered, we will find them and those who help them... and bring them to justice.”