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Gan Ner, Israel – A man in his 60s was attacked by an axe-wielding assailant in the yard of his home in the Gan Ner community, located in the Gilboa region, in what Israeli authorities suspect to be a terror attack, Israeli media reported on Friday.
According to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service, paramedics provided immediate medical treatment to the victim, who sustained light injuries. He was later transferred to a nearby hospital for further care.
Following the attack, residents of Gan Ner were instructed to remain indoors as security forces launched a manhunt for the suspect, who reportedly fled the scene. Additional police and military personnel were deployed to the area to conduct searches and prevent further incidents.
The identity of the attacker has not been officially confirmed, but Israeli media reported that the suspect is believed to be of Arab origin. Authorities have not yet determined whether the attack was premeditated or an isolated act of violence.
Possible Connection to Operation Iron Wall
Gan Ner is located approximately 18 minutes from Jenin, a city in the northern West Bank where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently conducting a large-scale military operation known as Operation Iron Wall.
The operation was launched with the stated objective of dismantling terrorist networks and their infrastructure in the West Bank.
As part of the operation, Defense Minister Israel Katz has reportedly instructed the IDF to destroy any building linked to terrorist activity, according to Israeli news outlet N12.
The ongoing military actions in Jenin have resulted in clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
While security forces have not yet established a direct link between the Gan Ner attack and Operation Iron Wall, officials are investigating whether the incident was carried out in retaliation for IDF operations in the West Bank.
Increased Security Measures
In response to the attack, authorities have bolstered security in and around Gan Ner, increasing patrols and setting up roadblocks to track the suspect. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The attack comes amid a surge in violence in the West Bank, with Israeli security forces frequently confronting armed militants. Over the past year, the region has witnessed escalating hostilities, with both Israeli and Palestinian casualties reported in various incidents.
The Israeli government has vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens. Officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining security in border communities such as Gan Ner, which are vulnerable to infiltration attempts.
As the investigation unfolds, security forces continue their search for the attacker, while local authorities assess whether further precautions are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
