The Lead
Israeli security forces have launched a manhunt in Gush Etzion following a suspected car-ramming attack Thursday afternoon at the Har Keren farm near Karmei Tzur. According to initial reports, a suspect entered the farm, physically assaulted a resident, and then attempted to strike him with a vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Incident at Har Keren Farm
According to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the incident began around 16:19 Jerusalem time when a vehicle arrived at the Har Keren farm in the Gush Etzion region. Reports indicate that individuals exited the vehicle and engaged in a violent physical confrontation with Jewish residents at the site. Following the assault, the driver allegedly returned to the vehicle and attempted to ram a resident.
Manhunt and Investigation
Israel Police and IDF units were dispatched to the point immediately following the report. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle identified as having Israeli license plates. Police reports suggest the driver may be a Palestinian operating an Israeli-registered vehicle, while other reports under review suggest the suspect could be an Israeli citizen from the Bedouin sector.
Officers from the Judea and Samaria District and investigators from the Etzion station are currently operating in the area to locate the vehicle, collect evidence, and take witness testimonies. As of 17:04 Jerusalem time, no casualties requiring medical evacuation have been reported from the scene.
Security Context
The Gush Etzion region has seen a series of security incidents in recent weeks, including attempted rammings and stabbings at various junctions and checkpoints. The Har Keren farm is located near the community of Karmei Tzur, an area that has remained on high alert due to its proximity to local friction points. Security forces are treating the event as a suspected nationalistic attack, though the full background remains under investigation as the manhunt continues.
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