Rabbi shoots terrorist during stabbing attack

Two Israeli border police officers were injured in a stabbing attack by a terrorist on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, the attack took place on Hagai Street near the Ateret Kohanim Yeshiva. The attacker, a 16-year-old Arab from East Jerusalem, stabbed a 20-year-old male and a 20-year-old female police officer from behind. The injured officers were taken to Hadassah-University Medical Center on Mt. Scopus and Ein Kerem.

The terrorist was neutralized by the Rosh Yeshiva (headmaster) of the nearby Ateret Kohanim Yeshiva, Rabbi Aviv Tzobari, and a Border Police officer. The Rabbi was taken to the police station for questioning about the incident.

According to police, a number of people, including members of the attackers’ family, were arrested under suspicion of being linked to the incident. The police also raided the home of the attacker, after which residents in the area began to riot.

Doron Turjeman, OC Jerusalem District Assistant Chairman, gave a statement at the site of the attack: "During the stabbing attack, the Jerusalem Border Policemen exhibited determination and aggressiveness facing a bloodthirsty terrorist who tried to take their lives in a moment. This attack is another reminder of the array of threats that the Jerusalem policeman face courageously in the Old City and in general. We will continue to act with determination against terror threats and anyone who tries to harm policemen or civilians."

Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, said, "This commando operation and the rise of its perpetrator as a martyr is a picture of the great conflict between our people and its resistance and the occupation. This battle will not end except with the victory of our people, the owner of the land, the right and history."

The female officer sustained moderate injuries and the male officer sustained light injuries in the terrorist attack.