Palestinian Terrorist Murders Two Israeli Civilians Near Tel Aviv

Latest Developments​

A knife-wielding Palestinian murdered two people in a town near Tel Aviv on August 4 before being shot dead by police. The Palestinian, who had entered Israel illegally, wounded four people at three separate locations in a morning stabbing spree in the town of Holon. One of the victims, Rina Daniv, 66, was declared dead at the scene, according to Magen David Adom ambulance service. She had been out walking with her husband, Shimon Daniv, 68, who sustained moderate wounds. Authorities did not immediately release details on the second fatality, a man in his 70s, who died at the hospital having been taken there critically wounded. The fourth victim, identified as 26-year-old Yakov Libertov, received moderate wounds, after being stabbed by the attacker while walking his dog through a local park.

The Palestinian, identified as 34-year-old Amar Odeh, was a resident of the West Bank town of Salfit. He had no known affiliation to terrorist groups nor a record of security offenses, Israeli authorities said. The police officer who stopped the attacker said that he saw Odeh from his patrol car, thought that he was a mugger, and gave chase on foot, according to The Times of Israel. After telling Odeh to stop, Odeh turned around and began moving towards the officer with a knife, shouting in Arabic. The officer told Odeh to stop, prior to shooting him with his pistol.

Expert Analysis​

“Even as Israel braces for escalation in hostilities from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its terror armies — Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq — it must also contend with grassroots Palestinian terrorism of this kind, which can strike anywhere and at the most vulnerable in society.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“For over three years, Israelis have faced a troubling surge in violence from terrorists in the West Bank. Although most of this violence has occurred within the West Bank, there have been instances where attackers have successfully infiltrated Israeli territory to target civilians. Israeli authorities must remain vigilant against potential future attacks, as acts of terrorism often escalate and breed further violence.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Related Analysis

“Palestinian Teen Stabs Two Israelis at West Bank Checkpoint,” FDD Flash Brief

“Teen Terrorist Injures Israeli in Jerusalem,” FDD Flash Brief

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