A deadly attack in Israel’s Sharon region on Sunday left one person dead and at least five others injured, triggering a major security operation that ended with both suspected assailants being killed by Israeli forces.
The attack unfolded across several locations in central Israel near the West Bank, beginning in the area of Kochav Yair and extending through nearby communities including Tsur Yitshak, Tzur Natan and Sal’it. Authorities described the incident as a coordinated assault that prompted an immediate response from police, military units and emergency services.
According to Magen David Adom, the national emergency medical service, a man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene. Five other victims suffered injuries, including two in serious condition and three moderately wounded. The injured were transported to Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba and Rabin Medical Center’s Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva for treatment. Reports later indicated that the number of wounded may have risen as authorities continued assessing the incident.
Initial investigations suggested the attack involved shootings at multiple sites. One of the first incidents reportedly occurred near a gas station in the Kochav Yair area before violence spread to nearby roads and communities. Witnesses described scenes of panic as security forces rushed to secure the area and assist victims.
Israeli police announced that one of the suspected attackers was killed shortly after the assault began. The suspect was identified as an Israeli Arab from the city of Tayibe. Security agencies then launched an extensive search for a second suspect believed to have fled the scene.
As the manhunt intensified, the Home Front Command activated infiltration alerts in Tsur Yitshak and Tzur Natan, urging residents to remain indoors and follow emergency instructions. Roads were closed and checkpoints established throughout the region while police, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other security personnel searched for the remaining assailant.
Authorities later located a vehicle believed to have been used in the attack. Investigators said the car carried Israeli license plates, a detail that became a key focus of the ongoing inquiry. Security officials also searched for any possible accomplices and examined whether the attackers had received outside assistance.
The military imposed restrictions and conducted operations in nearby areas as part of efforts to gather intelligence and prevent further attacks. Security sources said forces carried out searches and raids while continuing to scan the region for additional threats.
Hours after the attack began, Israeli authorities confirmed that the second suspect had also been tracked down and killed, bringing the immediate security operation to a close. Officials said investigations would continue to determine the full circumstances behind the assault and whether any broader network was involved.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received regular updates throughout the day and held security consultations with senior officials. Police Commissioner Danny Levy and IDF Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth traveled to the scene to oversee the response and assess the situation.
The attack sparked strong reactions from Israeli political leaders. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for strict measures against those responsible for attacks on civilians and reiterated support for tougher anti-terror policies.
Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement praising the Sharon region attack and another incident that took place near the Efrat Junction a day earlier. However, the group did not formally claim responsibility for either event. The statement described the attacks as a response to ongoing developments in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions across the region and follows a series of security-related events in recent weeks. Israeli authorities remain on high alert as investigators work to uncover additional details surrounding the planning and execution of the attack.
With both suspects eliminated, security officials say the focus has now shifted to understanding how the attack was organized and whether others may have been involved in supporting the perpetrators.
