A Palestinian man was killed on Saturday morning following an attempted ramming attack targeting Israeli police at the entrance of the West Bank settlement of Ofra, near Ramallah, according to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The incident, which occurred shortly after the suspect accelerated his vehicle towards a police car, resulted in no casualties among Israeli forces or civilians.
The IDF identified the assailant as 27-year-old Yosef Ahmed Adnan Taha, a resident of Nablus. Authorities confirmed that Taha was driving at high speed toward the police vehicle stationed at a security checkpoint near the settlement.
The officers managed to avoid the ramming, and the suspect was subsequently shot by security forces on the scene. The IDF noted that the attack appeared to be an intentional act of terrorism, though investigations into the suspect’s motives and affiliations are ongoing.
“A short while ago, a Palestinian terrorist attempted to carry out a terror attack by accelerating toward a police vehicle at the entrance of Ofra community,” the IDF said in an official statement.
“The IDF, along with Israeli security forces, are continuing operational activities in the area,” the statement added, indicating that military personnel were deployed to the site following the incident to ensure security and review the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The area has seen heightened tensions and increased security measures in recent months, with the IDF conducting regular operations to counter terrorist threats.
Palestinian militants have carried out a number of similar ramming attacks against Israeli targets, particularly in areas near West Bank settlements.
In response to the latest incident, Israeli forces have maintained an increased presence at key checkpoints and entrances to settlements in the region.
The police have opened a formal investigation into the ramming attempt, with officials working to establish whether Taha acted alone or had connections to militant groups.
The assailant’s background, social affiliations, and recent activities are being examined for any signs of radicalization or prior involvement in violent acts.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility by any Palestinian factions following Taha’s death. However, similar incidents have been praised by groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which often depict such attacks as acts of resistance against the Israeli occupation.
Israeli officials have called for the international community to condemn these kinds of attacks, which they argue incite further violence and pose a significant threat to the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are working to prevent potential retaliatory attacks or disturbances that could arise in the aftermath of the incident. Security measures in and around Ofra, as well as in nearby settlements and roads, are likely to remain elevated in the coming days.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the West Bank, where cycles of violence and military operations have often led to deadly confrontations. The IDF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Israeli citizens and vowed to take all necessary actions to maintain safety in the region.