Israeli officials and government members across the Israeli political spectrum have condemned a deadly Independence Day attack in the Haredi city of Elad that killed three people and wounded seven.
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On Twitter, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the murdered, noting the three victims of the attack had left behind them 16 children.
"Our enemies embarked on a murderous campaign against the Jewish people wherever they may be. Their goal is to break our spirit; they will fail.
"We will get our hands on the terrorists and their supporting environment, and they will pay the price," the premier said.
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.
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.
Foreign Minister and Prime Minister-designate Yair Lapid said: "The joy of Independence Day was cut short in an instant. The murderous attack in Elad horrifies the heart and soul. Three were killed and another three wounded by the vile terrorists. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost those dearest to them tonight and pray with all of Israel for the wellbeing of the wounded."
Knesset Speaker MK Mickey Levy said: "This happy Independence Day has instantly become sad and terrible and once again highlights the price of life in our country. I send condolences to the families of the murdered, wish a speedy recovery to the wounded, and hope those who committed this atrocity will be caught soon."
Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana tweeted: "Today turned into a catastrophic day. At the end of Independence Day, Jews were brutally murdered in the city of Elad. I embrace the families of those killed and carry a prayer for the complete recovery of the wounded in this terrible attack. I strengthen the security forces in their pursuit of the terrorists."
Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu said, "... I send my condolences to the families of those killed, pray for the complete recovery of the wounded, and strengthen the hands of the security forces who are currently working in the field against the terrorists."
On Twitter, Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman said of the "difficult night": "I share the grief of the families of those killed in the despicable Elad attack and wish for the speedy recovery of the wounded. On Independence Day, in particular, we must not come to terms with terrorism on Israel's streets and we have a duty to deliver it a difficult blow and restore citizens' sense of security."
Transportation Minister and Labor party head Meirav Michaeli sent "huge condolences to the [victims'] families and strengthened the hands of the wounded. The transition from remembrance to independence and back to mourning and loss is inconceivable. I strengthen the security forces in their efforts to apprehend the terrorists and the medical teams fighting for the lives of the wounded."
Communications Minister Yoaz Handel of the New Hope party said: "The war on Arab terror is taking a heavy toll on us. Tonight, too, in the middle of Independence Day celebrations. My heart is with the families of the murdered and the wounded. The event in Elad is still ongoing. It will only end with the elimination of the terrorists and the capture of the accomplices."
Yamina faction chairman MK Nir Orbach said: "The night of Independence Day, our day of national pride, ends with great heartache. But it is precisely the last two days that teach us that we must not break. The people of Israel live."
"Together with all the people of Israel, I pray for the recovery of the wounded and share in the pain of the families of the murdered. I know that the security forces will not stop until the other terrorists are eliminated,"
Religious Zionism Party leader Bezalel Smotrich said: "At this difficult time, our hearts and prayers are with the security forces operating in the field, with the families of the murdered, with the wounded, with the residents of Elad, and with Israel as a whole."
Speaking at the scene of the attack Thursday night, Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir said: "I came here to show solidarity, express pain, to embrace the residents here in Elad, but also to say in the simplest possible manner: Enough with this government of blood! This government causes complete lawlessness – be it in Beersheba, in Tel Aviv, in Bnei Brak, or today in Elad."
Calling for the leaders of the Islamic Movement to be arrested for inciting terrorism, Ben-Gvir asked, "Why aren't they [Israeli security forces] embarking on an operation for the targeted elimination of all the terrorists? In a normal country, an air force flyover would now be dropping missiles on the house of [Hamas leader] Yahya Sinwar, who called for attacks with weapons and axes and killing him. This is how you cut off terrorism."
In a statement "vehemently" condemning the attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US stands firmly with Israel. "This was a horrific attack targeting innocent men and women, and was particularly heinous coming as Israel celebrated its Independence Day," he said.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the killing of Palestinian and Israeli citizens would only serve to further deteriorate the situation at a time when everyone aspires to "achieve stability and avoid an escalation."
He warned against "the exploitation of the event to carry out attacks against the Palestinian people by settlers and others." He condemned what he called the ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people and their holy sites that he said have created an atmosphere of "tension and instability."
Abbas concluded by saying the cycle of violence emphasized that a comprehensive and lasting peace was the shortest way toward security and stability for both peoples and the peoples of the region.
A senior Hamas official told the Hezbollah-aligned Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar that "the Palestinians have succeeded at this stage in forcing a new equation on the occupation regarding Al-Aqsa [Mosque] and prevented the enemy from taking new steps toward the mosque within the framework of the plan to divide it in terms of time and space."
The Hamas official said, "This situation will continue until the enemy prevents its settlers from invading Al-Aqsa."
On Thursday, US 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."
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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