At least three Israelis were killed and four others were wounded in a terrorist attack in Elad on Thursday night, police and medical officials confirmed. Security forces have launched a manhunt for what is believed to be two terrorists.
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According to initial details, the terrorists used both an axe and a firearm to carry out the attack in the heart of Elad, a predominantly ultra-Orthodox city in central Israel.
A police statement said a massive manhunt was underway, assisted by helicopters, to locate the terrorists, who according to reports fled the scene by car. Roadblocks and checkpoints were set upon all the roads in the area, the police said.
Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai arrived at the scene on Thursday evening. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi held a situation assessment in the wake of the attack, after which it was decided to extend the closure imposed on the Palestinian territories ahead of Independence Day and which was supposed to end on midnight Thursday, until midnight Saturday. Exceptions will be made for humanitarian cases.
Elad Mayor Yisrael Porush said the incident took place at a major public park. He called on residents to stay indoors while security forces were still operating.
Magen David Adom reported that paramedics who arrived at the scene had no choice but to pronounce three victims, all men in their 40s, dead.
Two victims, aged 60 and 35, were rushed to the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer in Ramat Gan. One of the victims is said to be in critical condition, while the other suffered seriously wounded.
The Rabin Medical Center in nearby Petach Tikva confirmed it had received two victims: a 40-year-old man who sustained moderate wounds, and a 23-year-old man who sustained minor-to-moderate injuries while fighting off one of the terrorists.
Heartbreaking end to Yom HaAtzmaut in Elad. I share the grief of families of those murdered in the terrorist attack & wish speedy recovery to the wounded. This must STOP!
— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) May 5, 2022
The incident, which took place as Israelis celebrate the country's 74th Independence Day, brings to 17 the number of Israelis killed in the wave of terror that erupted in March.
The Gaza Strip-based terrorist groups praised the attack but stopped short of claiming it.
Hamas welcomed "the heroes who carried out the action that comes in the wake of Palestinian anger over the ongoing aggression of the occupation and its institutions and settlers against al-Aqsa. The Palestinian people are protecting their holy places. We will not allow any harm to al-Aqsa to go unpunished."
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad praised the attack as a "heroic operation."
In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price said the attack appeared to be "the latest in what has been a string of despicable terrorist attacks that have rocked Israel. Our commitment to our Israeli partners, to Israel's security, that is ironclad."
US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides condemned the attack, tweeting, "Heartbreaking end to Yom HaAtzmaut in Elad. I share the grief of families of those murdered in the terrorist attack and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. This must stop!"
British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan said he was "horrified that innocent people were attacked in Elad today, while Israel celebrates its Independence Day. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The UK stands with Israel against terrorism."
I am horrified that innocent people were attacked in Elad today, while Israel celebrates its Independence Day. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The UK stands with Israel against terrorism. 🇬🇧 🇮🇱
— Neil Wigan (@FCDONeilWigan) May 5, 2022
British Foreign Minister Liz Truss also denounced the attack, tweeting, "Appalled by another terror attack in Israel, targeting innocent people as they celebrate their Independence Day. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The UK stands with the Israeli people against terrorism."
EU Ambassador to Israel Dimiter Tzantchev, tweeted, "I am horrified by reports of another brutal attack in Elad in central Israel that killed several people as Independence Day came to a close. This kind of cowardly violence will never win! Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured."
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