Terror attack foiled as 16-year-old arrested in stabbing attempt

In a swift response to a potential terror attack, officers from the Tira Police Station and Border Police arrested a 16-year-old Arab resident of Tira, Israel, on Saturday night, May 3, 2025, after he entered the station’s parking lot brandishing a knife and shouting “Allahu Akbar.” The incident, which occurred in the central Israeli city, was thwarted by the quick actions of the officers, preventing any injuries.

According to the Israel Police, the suspect was spotted as he approached the station’s entrance, visibly holding a knife and yelling the Arabic phrase commonly associated with extremist attacks. A Border Police officer and a Tira police officer immediately intervened, using a taser to subdue the teenager before apprehending him. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, for interrogation to determine his motives and any potential affiliations.

The police commended the officers’ rapid response, which ensured the safety of those at the station and averted a possible tragedy. The Tira Police Station, located in a predominantly Arab city in Israel’s Central District, has been a focal point for security operations amid heightened tensions in the region. This incident follows a series of attempted attacks in Israel, often linked to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional unrest, including the war with Hamas that began on October 7, 2023.

Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity due to his age, and further details about the investigation remain undisclosed pending Shin Bet findings. The event underscores the persistent security challenges faced by Israeli law enforcement, particularly in mixed or Arab-majority cities. The Israel Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and urged citizens to report suspicious activities promptly to prevent similar incidents.