Woman brandishing knives moves through streets as missile sirens blare

Officials said there is no suspicion of a security-related motive.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A woman carrying knives caused alarm in Beersheba on Tuesday as she moved through the streets during missile sirens before being subdued by bystanders and arrested by police, authorities said.

The incident unfolded as sirens sounded across the southern Israeli city following a missile launch from Iran, heightening concern among residents already seeking shelter.

Witnesses said the woman was seen walking through the area while brandishing knives and singing Am Yisrael Chai as she waved the weapons toward passersby.

A soldier and a civilian who identified the immediate danger intervened and managed to overpower the woman, using a belt to restrain her until police arrived.

Officers from the Beersheba police station reached the scene shortly afterward, completed the arrest, and took the suspect in for questioning.

Police said responding officers acted quickly upon arrival and secured the situation without further incident.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the episode remain under investigation.

Initial assessments indicate the woman may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.

Security officials said there is no suspicion of a security-related motive.

The incident caused significant alarm among residents, particularly as it coincided with active missile warnings in the area.

The suspect was transferred to authorities for further treatment and investigation, police said.

Emergency conditions linked to ongoing missile fire have continued to affect daily life in multiple areas, with residents responding to repeated sirens and security alerts as authorities handle both external threats and isolated incidents within civilian areas.