Israeli security forces launch manhunt after ramming attack of 13-year-old near Ateret

The victim was reported to be in good condition after receiving treatment at the scene and during transport. The Magen David Adom later confirmed the injury was minor.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli forces launched a manhunt north of Jerusalem on Saturday evening after a suspected car-ramming near the Ateret settlement left a 13-year-old Israeli lightly wounded, according to the military and emergency services.

The incident occurred near Maayan Ateret in the central Benjamin region of Judea and Samaria, where a vehicle struck a pedestrian and then fled the area.

The Israel Defense Forces said troops were dispatched to the scene shortly after the report was received and began an immediate search for the driver.

As part of the response, the IDF established roadblocks and initiated closures along key routes while encircling the Ramallah area and nearby Bir Zeit. Additional forces were deployed to scan surrounding areas as the search expanded through the evening.

Emergency medical responders said the injured teenager was evacuated to a hospital in Jerusalem.

The victim was reported to be in good condition after receiving treatment at the scene and during transport. Magen David Adom later confirmed the injury was minor.

During the security operations, MDA also treated a Palestinian man who sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body. He was taken for medical care in moderate condition. The military did not provide details on how that individual was injured.

In a subsequent update, the IDF said troops continued to block roads and conduct searches in the area where the vehicle was believed to have escaped. “The circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” the military said.

No arrests were announced by the end of the initial operation, and the identity of the suspect remained unknown. The IDF said the search would continue until the driver is located, as security forces assess whether the incident was a deliberate attack or the result of other factors still under review.