‘Gazan Reality in Judea and Samaria’: Three Murdered in Roadside Ambush

Latest Developments

Cars, Bus Shot Up: Three Israelis were killed and eight others wounded after Palestinian terrorists armed with assault rifles shot up two cars and a bus traveling between the Israeli communities of Kedumim and Karnei Shomron in the northern West Bank on January 6. Israeli officials said that the terrorists, two of whom are known for their involvement in terror activity, are from the Palestinian city of Jenin.
Terrorists Opened Fire With Assault Rifles: According to the IDF, the attack began when the three terrorists opened fire on a civilian car at close range, killing sisters-in-law Rachel Cohen, 73, and Aliza Raiz, 70. They then opened fire on a bus, wounding the driver and at least seven others. An armed civilian with a handgun returned fire as the terrorists fled in their car. They then opened fire on another vehicle, killing off-duty police officer Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, 35, who was driving with his son.
Israel Warns Against Abetting Gunmen: Hamas praised the murders as a “heroic response” to Israel’s offensive against the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza but stopped short of claiming responsibility. Israel vowed to exact retribution against those responsible as well as anyone assisting them. “I have instructed the IDF to act forcefully against any place where the murderers’ footsteps lead,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said. “We will not accept a Gazan reality in Judea and Samaria, and anyone who follows the path of Hamas in Gaza and enables and sponsors the murder and harm of Jews will pay a heavy price.”

FDD Expert Response:

“Just a few days after Israel celebrated the cold comfort of a 40 percent reduction in West Bank terrorism over 2024, this heinous attack has reminded everyone that the threat has not disappeared and may even rise as the Gaza war subsides. Iran’s proxies surrounding the Jewish state have been severely degraded, and Tehran will be looking at the Jewish heartland — Judea and Samaria — as an alternative locus for its malign influence.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“The road where the three Israelis were murdered is a highway that runs through Samaria in the West Bank, servicing both Jewish and Arab communities. There have been multiple Palestinian terror attacks on this road in the past year, part of a larger trend in which terrorists attack Israeli civilian cars in Judea and Samaria — identifying the Jewish vehicles according to their Israeli license plates, which set them apart from the Palestinian Authority (PA) license plates. These murders are becoming more frequent, reflecting an overall increase in terrorism emanating from the West Bank, which the PA has failed to address or contain.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“The West Bank remains a critical security challenge for Israel as the Jewish state battles a multi-front war against Hamas and its allies. While details about the suspects remain scarce, the assault executed by the three-man cell reflects the characteristics of an organized attack, reminiscent of prior acts of terrorism perpetrated by individuals linked to armed groups operating in the territory. The most pressing concern for Israeli security forces is catching the suspects and preventing further attacks by individuals inspired by the success of the gunmen.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal