Victims Identified in Combined Ramming and Stabbing Attack in Northern Israel

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – The victims of today’s terror attack have been identified as Aviv Maor, 19, and Shimshon Mordechai , 68, Israeli authorities said Friday.

Maor was stabbed to death near Kibbutz Tel Yosef after a combined ramming and stabbing attack that unfolded across several locations in northern Israel. Shimshon was killed earlier in the attack after being struck by a vehicle in Beit She’an, according to emergency responders.

A third victim, a 16-year-old boy, was lightly injured after being struck by the suspect’s vehicle and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the assailant carried out a series of attacks beginning on Hashomron Street in Beit She’an, where Shimshon was critically injured. The suspect then continued driving, striking the teenage victim on Ya’akov Machluf Street before heading toward Route 71.

Near Tel Yosef and Kibbutz Ein Harod, Maor was attacked after the suspect rammed a vehicle in which she was traveling, then pursued her on foot and stabbed her, according to police and family members at the scene.

The attacker fled toward Afula, where security forces stopped the vehicle and fatally shot the suspect. Authorities identified him as Ahmad al-Roub, 37, a resident of Qabatiya who had entered Israel illegally.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom said medics attempted resuscitation on Shimshon but pronounced him dead at the scene. Maor was later declared dead after suffering fatal stab wounds.

The Israel Defense Forces said additional troops were deployed to the area and preparations were underway for operations in Qabatiya, the suspect’s hometown. Defense officials said forces would act to dismantle terror infrastructure and pursue anyone involved in aiding the attacker.

Israeli officials offered condolences to the victims’ families and praised emergency responders and security forces for quickly neutralizing the attacker.