IDF forces were still in pursuit on Friday of the terrorist cell responsible for the stabbing that killed off-duty soldier Dvir Sorek overnight Wednesday. The Shin Bet security agency was directing the intelligence-gathering part of the manhunt, but members of the special forces, acting on a tip, have been operating since Thursday night in the city of Hebron and the village of Halhul.
Other searches were being carried out in additional locations, as well.
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Security officials familiar with the tactics of terrorist cells are not ruling out the possibility that the cell – which is believed to include three members – has split up and the attackers have found separate hiding places with the assistance of locals. The forces in the field are trying to analyze where the terrorists fled after the stabbing and where they might be concealed.
Meanwhile, the IDF was maintaining a high level of alert out of concern that terrorists might be planning another attack.
On Thursday night, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi and GOC Central Command Maj. Gen. Nadav Padan arrived at the scene of the stabbing. They assessed the situation and were briefed by commander of the Etzion Brigade, Col. David Shapira. Kochavi and Padan were also briefed at the brigade command center by representatives of the Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Police.
The IDF has deployed additional forces throughout Judea and Samaria.
Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the field near Migdal Oz where Sorek was murdered and expressed his condolences to the family.
"This is where we lost Dvir, a dear son. The Sorek family lost their grandfather a few years ago. Our hearts are with them. We embrace them at this difficult time," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu was updated on the hunt for Sorek's killers and received a briefing from the head of the Shin Bet.
