Israeli security forces thwarted an attempted stabbing attack near Shaar Shechem in Yerushalayim’s Old City early Friday morning, shooting and killing a terrorist who police said tried to stab Border Police officers. No members of the Israeli security forces were injured.
According to police, the attacker was a 33-year-old resident of eastern Yerushalayim who approached security personnel stationed in the Shaar Shechem area while armed with a knife. He then attempted to stab Border Police officers at the scene.
The officers responded by opening fire at the terrorist, neutralizing him before he could injure anyone. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Yerushalayim District Police Commander Maj. Gen. Avshalom Peled subsequently arrived at the location and conducted a special situational assessment following the attempted attack.
The incident occurred only hours after more than 50,000 people gathered at the Kosel for the traditional Selichos ahead of Rosh Hashanah.
The massive turnout for the central Selichos gathering resulted in unprecedented crowding around the Kosel plaza. To accommodate the thousands who could not gain access to the plaza itself, the Selichos were broadcast live on the walls of Yerushalayim’s Old City and at Shaar Yaffo, enabling additional participants to join the tefillos from areas near the entrances to the Old City.
