A deadly attack unfolded in northern Israel on December 26, 2025, as a terrorist carried out a coordinated car-ramming and stabbing spree across Beit She’an, Ein Harod, and Afula. Two Israelis were killed, and several others were injured before the assailant was neutralized and captured.

The attack began around 12:30 p.m. in Beit She’an, when 37-year-old Ahmed al-Rub from Qabatiya rammed a vehicle into civilian targets, fatally striking Mordechai. The assailant then fled north, colliding with a car near Kibbutz Tel Yosef, pursuing the driver, Maor, on foot and fatally stabbing her. In addition, a 16-year-old boy suffered light injuries, and two others were wounded near Afula.

The perpetrator had entered Israel illegally several days prior from the West Bank. IDF forces quickly responded, conducting situational assessments across multiple regions before shooting and capturing the assailant while he was receiving medical treatment.

Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, condemned the “horrific” attack, promising justice for the victims and vowing stronger security measures to prevent future infiltrations. Authorities emphasized that investigations are ongoing and additional security protocols will be reinforced along vulnerable border areas.

This tragic incident highlights ongoing threats posed by illegal cross-border entries and the critical role of rapid response by security forces in minimizing casualties and apprehending perpetrators.