Security forces were called Monday morning to the Mount Ebal area, north of Shechem (Nablus), following a report of a shooting attack targeting an Israeli vehicle.
Upon arrival, IDF forces located the driver of the vehicle, an Israeli civilian from Samaria, who was unharmed.
It later became clear that a Palestinian Authority policeman opened fire at the Israeli vehicle as it traveled on the road towards Mount Ebal. IDF forces called to the scene began extensive searches in the area, attempting to locate the terrorist, who fled the scene.
The Palestinian Authority police claim that the vehicle sped towards them and they felt threatened and therefore opened fire.
An initial investigation reveals that the driver veered off course while heading to Mount Ebal and accidentally entered the outskirts of Shechem. During an attempt to return to the main road, near the city’s entrance checkpoint, he noticed three terrorists. One of them jumped toward the vehicle and fired at it with a handgun.
The Jew managed to flee toward Mount Ebal, where he joined an IDF force at a nearby outpost. A bullet impact mark was found on the car’s hood. No injuries were reported.
Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan responded to the incident, saying, « This is a serious shooting attack. Anyone who thinks that terrorism and gunfire will deter us is mistaken. Our response will be to strengthen the settlement presence in Samaria, especially on Mount Ebal, which is an integral part of our history. »
