A Jewish volunteer attempting to assist firefighting operations near Alon Moreh in Samaria was stabbed multiple times Thursday morning in what authorities are treating as a terror attack, as a sprawling brush fire raged across the Derech Avraham farm area.
The 51-year-old man arrived at the fire scene to help, reportedly responding to the emergency response. He was attacked by two Palestinian assailants who stabbed him repeatedly in the chest, five times according to initial reports. He is in critical condition.
The two attackers have been neutralized. Security forces established a security cordon around the Palestinian village of Beit Furik and are conducting operations in the area.
Magen David Adom paramedics and IDF medical personnel provided emergency treatment at the scene, including hemorrhage control, before evacuating the victim to hospital. "We saw a 51-year-old man suffering from stab wounds," paramedic Israel Arbous recounted. "We provided life-saving treatment and coordinated with IDF medical teams to evacuate him to the hospital in critical condition."
The stabbing occurred as firefighting crews struggled with the blaze. Two Israeli Air Force firefighting aircraft from the Elad Squadron were launched to assist ground crews after a situation assessment determined that terrain access made it impossible for ground teams alone to reach all fire fronts. Strong winds were spreading the flames across the area.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, arrived at the scene with security forces and described the attack as a serious terror incident. "We once again witness arson and attempted attacks," he said. "There is a clear attempt by the Palestinian Authority and terror organizations to raise their heads through incitement leading to attacks. Every Israeli citizen expects the government to use an iron fist. The settlements in Samaria are strong, and we will triumph. We expect the government to crush terror and those who incite it. We will win."
Avi Tal Ktzion, commander of the Judea and Samaria Fire District, warned of challenging weather ahead: "This fire developed near the farm and grew with the help of strong winds. Upon receiving the initial report, we deployed multiple teams and air support. In the coming days we expect challenging weather conditions, and I ask residents to refrain from open fires in fields."
