Palestinian Cop Murders Two Israelis in West Bank

Latest Developments

A Palestinian policeman turned terrorist killed two Israelis at a West Bank gas station on February 29. The assailant, a junior officer in the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces, opened fire with an M-16 at a man refueling his car near the Israeli community of Eli. The motorist, in his late 50s, was killed along with a young man in the vehicle. A reservist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eating lunch nearby shot dead the terrorist, who had been imprisoned in Israel for security offenses and was released in 2019.

The Eli gas station was the site of a similar attack in June in which four Israelis were killed.

Expert Analysis

“That the internationally backed PA recruited a former Israeli security prisoner for its security forces is questionable at best. That he ended up using his skills to murder Israelis screams for international outrage and an international audit.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“We’ve seen evidence for months of terrorist penetration of the PA security services, including many engaged in gun battles with IDF counterterrorism units. The U.S. Security Coordinator should make rooting out terror cells from the PA security forces his highest priority.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

“Palestinian Terrorist Attack Near Jerusalem Kills One,” FDD Flash Brief

“Terror Attack in Southern Israel Kills Two and Wounds Four,” FDD Flash Brief

“West Bank Imminent Terrorist Attack Thwarted by Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Battles Palestinian Terrorists in West Bank City of Tulkarm,” FDD Flash Brief