8 IDF Soldiers Injured in Central Israel Car Ramming Terror Attack

Latest Developments

Attack Near Netanya: Eight IDF soldiers were injured in a car-ramming attack near the central Israeli city of Netanya on July 24. The IDF said that two of the soldiers were moderately injured and the other six lightly, with the wounded being evacuated to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera for treatment.
Perpetrator at Large: The alleged attacker, 27-year-old Arkan Khaled from the West Bank city of Taibeh, deserted his car in the Beit Lid region of the northern West Bank following the attack, where police later discovered the empty vehicle. According to initial reports, Khaled borrowed the car from an acquaintance in Lod before carrying out the attack. A female eyewitness said that the suspect cut across her lane, accelerated toward the bus stop where the soldiers were waiting, and drove off after hitting them.
Manhunt Underway: Israeli police said that a large-scale search for Khaled was underway — involving police helicopters, motorcycle units, and canine units — following the discovery of his vehicle. Additionally, the police commander of Israel’s Central District ordered that civilian first response teams in nearby communities be activated to assist in the search. Several crossings into the West Bank were closed, including the road leading to Tulkarem, as the search for Khaled continued throughout the day.

FDD Expert Response

“While authorities have not stated whether the suspect has links to a terrorist organization, it does not change the fact that this type of attack is inherently difficult to detect and prevent. Thus, vehicle-ramming attacks have become a common method used by terrorists against Israelis. Considering this incident, Israeli authorities must be cognizant of additional acts of terrorism inspired by this car-ramming.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Security coordination with civilian first response teams following terror attacks is one of the key aspects that Israeli authorities have sought to improve upon following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, atrocities. When terrorists invaded southern Israel nearly two years ago, too many of these teams were left alone to fend for themselves and protect their communities. With the lessons learned from that day, it is a positive sign that Israeli authorities are turning to these local squads in the wake of today’s car-ramming.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor