Tensions escalated in northern Israel today following an unspecified security incident in the city of Karmiel. Details remain scarce as authorities investigate, but the event has renewed anxiety among residents already weary from eight months of intermittent conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas.
Video: The site of the attack in Karmiel, July 3, 2024. Credit: Amar Assadi
The stabbing rampage by the attacker – a 20-year-old Israeli-Arab living in an Arab village in the area – on the second floor of a mall in the northern city left 19-year-old Sergeant Aleksandr Iakiminskyi of the 188th Armored Brigade dead, and several injured. Aleksandr shot the attacker before he succumbed to his wounds. Other reports indicated a firearm was used. Israel's Magen David Adom first-responder service said there were two injured, one still responsive but in serious condition, and one who sustained severe wounds. The attacker was shot by people at the scene.
"Two stabbing victims were brought to Galilee Medical Center," reported Dr. Michael Weiss, head of the trauma department. "One is in moderate to serious condition with stab wounds to the chest and shoulder. After we stabilized him in the trauma room, we moved him to the intensive care unit. The second victim arrived in critical condition while we were trying to resuscitate him. He had severe injuries to his upper chest, the base of his neck, and major blood vessels. Despite our efforts, we couldn't save him and had to pronounce him dead."
A 9-year-old boy who witnessed the attack was also brought to the Terem urgent care center in town, being treated for anxiety.
Video: The stabbing attack in Karmiel, July 3, 2024. / Usage under Israeli intellectual property law Article 27a
The police spokesperson did not rule out the possibility of additional attackers in the area and requested civilians to stay away from the scene.
Karmiel, a city of 50,000 nestled in the Beit Hakerem Valley, has largely been spared direct involvement in the ongoing hostilities. However, today's incident serves as a stark reminder of the region's precarious situation.
Local officials urged calm while increasing security measures throughout the area. The Israel Police brought the attacker's mother and brother to the scene. Investigators plan to question all members of the attacker's family.
The incident comes at a delicate time, as diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire have intensified in recent weeks.
