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Israeli farmer seriously wounded in Palestinian terror attack in Samaria

Palestinian terrorists stabbed an Israeli farmer who was trying to extinguish a fire sparked near his agricultural outpost.

By World Israel News Staff

An Israeli farmer was seriously wounded Thursday in a stabbing attack near Elon Moreh in Samaria after two Palestinian terrorists attacked Israelis working to extinguish a fire at an agricultural outpost, Israeli authorities said.

The victim was identified as 51-year-old Itamar Cohen, one of the founders of the agricultural farm movement in Judea and Samaria. Cohen had gone to assist volunteers battling a fire near the Derech Avraham Farm when the two attackers stabbed him in the upper body.

Another armed Israeli civilian at the scene opened fire, killing both terrorists, according to a later account released by the IDF.

Magen David Adom personnel treated Cohen at the scene before he was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition.

“We saw a man suffering from stab wounds,” MDA emergency medic Yisrael Arbus said. “We provided lifesaving treatment, including stopping the bleeding.”

Israeli troops subsequently imposed a cordon on the nearby Palestinian village of Beit Furik and began operating in the surrounding area.

The IDF said Palestinians from Beit Furik had set the fire, although police and Israel Fire and Rescue Services were still investigating the blaze’s cause. Police said Cohen was stabbed while attempting to put out a fire that appeared to have been deliberately set.

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The Agricultural Farms Association said farmers and volunteers had rushed to prevent the flames from spreading before the attack occurred. The organization called for tougher action against what it described as a continuing campaign of arson and violence targeting Israeli agricultural communities.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan visited the scene and called on the government to take stronger action against Palestinian terrorism and incitement.

“We are repeatedly witnessing arson and attempted attacks,” Dagan said.

“We expect the government to crush terrorism and those who incite it,” he added. “This is our land, and we will win.”

The attack occurred on Tisha B’Av as firefighting aircraft and ground crews worked to contain the blaze near the farm.