18-Year-Old Injured in Ariel Shooting as IDF Launches Manhunt

Ariel, West Bank – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a search operation following a shooting incident near the Ariel Industrial Zone on Wednesday.

An 18-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound while driving near a farm and was later evacuated for medical treatment. According to Magen David Adom (MDA), paramedics treated the victim, who was fully conscious upon arrival at the scene.

“We treated an 18-year-old young man, fully conscious, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand,” MDA paramedic Gennadi Dubinsky stated.

“We were told that he was injured while driving near a farm. We provided him with medical treatment and evacuated him to a hospital, where he is in moderate and stable condition while continuing treatment.”

The victim was transferred to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva for further care.

Concerns Over Repeated Attacks

This marks the third such attack in the same area in recent weeks, raising concerns among local leaders and residents. Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan expressed frustration over the security situation.

“This latest attack is yet another painful reminder of what we have been saying all along—Judea and Samaria must be treated as a full-fledged front, just like Gaza and Lebanon.”

“The terrorism here is not a collection of isolated incidents but an organized and ongoing assault against the settlements and the Jewish people as a whole,” Dagan stated.

He urged the government and security forces to take immediate and decisive action. “I call on the government and the security establishment to act immediately and decisively to restore deterrence, strengthen our hold on the land, and ensure real security for the residents of Judea and Samaria—and, by extension, all citizens of Israel.”

Ariel Mayor Vows to Maintain Routine

Despite the attack, Ariel Mayor Yair Chetboun reassured residents that life in the city would continue as usual, especially amid ongoing Purim celebrations.

“A full routine is taking place in the city of Ariel. The enemy will not be allowed to destroy the holiday atmosphere. Purim celebrations will take place as usual in the city,” he declared.

“We will not allow vile terrorists to harm the routine of life. We will continue to stand by the IDF and the security forces, ensure security, and maintain the routine of life in the city and its surroundings.”

IDF Launches Manhunt

Following the attack, the IDF launched a search operation to track down the assailant. Security forces are scouring the surrounding areas and have increased their presence in and around Ariel in an effort to locate the shooter.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the attack was carried out by a lone gunman or if it is part of a larger, coordinated effort. Security officials are reviewing surveillance footage and collecting intelligence to determine the identity and motive of the perpetrator.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have been responding to a series of security incidents. The IDF has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens and preventing further acts of terror in the region.

As the search for the shooter continues, security measures in and around Ariel have been intensified, with officials urging residents to remain vigilant. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members