Four people were injured in a stabbing attack on Tuesday in Tel Aviv, according to Israel’s emergency services. One victim, who sustained a serious neck injury, is being treated at Ichilov Hospital along with two others.
The assailant, identified as a 28-year-old foreign national, was shot dead at the scene by an armed individual. Israeli authorities have confirmed that the attacker held Moroccan citizenship and American permanent residency.
Investigation Underway
Israel’s Shin Bet security service is conducting an investigation into the incident. The attacker entered Israel on January 18 using a tourist visa. Border control and immigration authorities had raised objections to his entry at Ben Gurion Airport, but Shin Bet approved his admission following a security assessment.
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel called on Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to investigate the incident thoroughly and implement necessary lessons. Shin Bet stated, “Upon the individual’s entry into Israel, a security assessment was conducted, including questioning and additional checks, which concluded that there were no grounds to deny his entry for security reasons.”
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred in two locations: Nahalat Binyamin Street, a bustling area known for restaurants and nightlife, and nearby Gruzenberg Street, where the assailant stabbed another victim before being shot. An American residency permit and a border control ticket were reportedly found on the attacker’s body.
This is the second stabbing incident in Tel Aviv in four days. On Saturday, another individual was attacked and subsequently neutralized by an armed civilian.
Reactions
Hamas has praised Tuesday’s attack, although it has not claimed responsibility for the incident. The attack has raised security concerns, prompting calls for stricter immigration protocols and a reevaluation of security assessments for incoming visitors.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities aim to determine how the attacker was allowed entry and whether additional measures are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.
