Aviv Maor, Shimshon Mordechai Killed in Combined Ramming and Stabbing Terror Attack in Northern Israel

A Palestinian terrorist carried out a deadly rampage on Friday afternoon, killing two Israelis and wounding two others in a series of ramming and stabbing attacks across northern Israel before being neutralized by a civilian.

The assault, which unfolded over approximately 50 minutes, began in the city of Beit She'an and extended to areas near Kibbutz Ein Harod and Afula, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.The victims were identified as Shimshon Mordechai, a 68-year-old resident of Beit She'an, and Aviv Maor, an 18-year-old from Kibbutz Ein Harod.

Mordechai, a bus driver, was run over and killed on Shomron Street in Beit She'an around 12:24 p.m., where Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics performed CPR but pronounced him dead at the scene due to severe chest injuries.

Shortly before, at 12:18 p.m., the attacker rammed a 16-year-old boy on Yaakov Machluf Street in the same city, leaving him with light injuries to his limbs; the teen was treated and evacuated to HaEmek Medical Center.

The terrorist then fled in a stolen vehicle toward Route 71 near Tel Yosef and Ein Harod, where he exited the car and stabbed Maor to death as she waited at a bus stop around 12:31 p.m.

MDA responders found her unconscious with penetrating wounds and confirmed her death on-site despite medical efforts.

Continuing toward Afula, the assailant injured a 37-year-old man moderately before being shot and subdued by an armed passerby at the Ma'onot junction around 12:45 p.m.

The terrorist, in moderate condition, was evacuated to a hospital and later released for interrogation.

Israeli authorities identified the perpetrator as a Palestinian from Qabatiya near Jenin in the West Bank, who had illegally entered Israel several days prior without a permit.

Two of his brothers were arrested in northern Israel following the attack.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reinforced the seam zone and conducted assessments, with Defense Minister Israel Katz ordering immediate strikes on "terror infrastructure" in Qabatiya, stating, "Anyone who aids terrorism or provides shelter and backing to terrorism will pay the full price."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended condolences to the families, praising the civilian who neutralized the attacker and reaffirming Israel's commitment to combating terrorism: "Although there have been many foiled attacks against terrorism in the past year, unfortunately we experience murderous attacks from time to time. The Government of Israel will continue to act to thwart all those who seek to harm its citizens."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed the call for uncompromised action against terror nests and urged national resolve, while emphasizing civic responsibility to avoid employing illegal workers.

Maor's family described her as a "child of nature who loved people," with her parents mourning the loss in a heartfelt statement.

Kibbutz Ein Harod and the broader community expressed profound grief, with tributes pouring in on social media.

Mordechai's community in Beit She'an held vigils, remembering him as a dedicated public transport driver.

The incident occurred amid heightened alerts ahead of Shabbat, underscoring persistent threats from infiltrators. Police Commissioner Danny Levy visited the scenes, and investigations continue into how the terrorist entered and operated undetected.

Jewish organizations worldwide, including the World Jewish Congress and Jewish Federations of North America, condemned the attack and offered condolences, viewing it as part of a broader pattern of violence.