Several Palestinians have been apprehended by Israeli security forces for involvement in the Tapuach Junction terror attack in the northern West Bank that injured 3 people Sunday.
The suspects were arrested in the Aqraba village near Nablus as part of a wide-scale joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet Security Agency and the Israeli Police YAMAM Counter-Terror Unit.
The vehicle believed to have been used in the drive-by shooting attack was found in the same village, and reportedly torched just its discovery by Palestinian security forces. Images indicate there were at least two bullet holes likely fired by IDF soldiers as the assailants fled the scene. One appears to have shattered the back window while another seemingly hit the lid of the trunk.
All of the victims were 19-year old Jewish seminary students. Yehuda Guetta remains hospitalized at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva for critical injuries, where the condition of Bnaya Peretz is described as serious. Amichai Hala, who was struck in a back by a bullet, was released from the hospital after receiving care for “light wounds.”
No terror groups have yet to claim responsibility for the attack.
The IDF deployed an additional combat battalion and an elite counter-terror unit to the West Bank as part of a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Security sources informed TV7 that the manhunt in pursuit of those responsible for the terror attack will be relentlessly continued until justice is served.
Following a working visit of the Judea and Samaria Division today for a round of consultations with IDF personnel and Israeli Civil Administration officials, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said he has ordered “a continued state of high alert in the area.”
“We will reach the terrorists and settle the score with them,” said Minister Gantz, underscoring that, “Our security forces are prepared for any scenario and will continue to use any means necessary, wherever necessary, to protect our citizens’ safety.”
He added that, “The IDF, the Israel Civil Administration, and all of our security personnel have been working quietly, subtly but intently over the past few months, to meet their mission. We are further continuing to do everything possible to help the Palestinians move their economic and public health conditions forward, which is a mutual interest, and I suggest that no organization attempt to sabotage these efforts.”