Psychiatrist Attacked by Patient at Beit Shean Mental Health Clinic

A severe violent incident occurred this morning at a mental health clinic in Beit Shean, when a patient attacked a psychiatrist in his office. According to testimonies, the assailant stabbed the doctor in the head several times with a screwdriver and attempted to strangle him. The physician was rushed to the HaEmek Medical Center in Afula suffering from injuries and a suspected concussion, and was saved thanks to clinic staff members who fought off the attacker.

Staff Intervention and Clinic Conditions

Witnesses reported that the quick thinking of the female staff members prevented a major disaster. One witness recalled: He tried to strangle him to death, it was simply awful. The victim was rescued only after staff members intervened and wrestled with the large-scale assailant in a life-threatening struggle.

Staff members noted that the clinic serves over 1,000 patients with a team of about 15 professionals, including psychologists, social workers, nurses, and secretaries. Despite the nature of the facility and continuous risks, the clinic lacks a security guard, prompting the staff to announce a strike until the situation is resolved.

Systemic Strain and Official Responses

An employee shared that the panic button is triggered at least once a month due to shouting and shoving, though an extreme violent event like this had not occurred before. The staff highlighted immense workload, six-month waiting lists, and widespread patient frustration.

Clalit Health Services stated: This is a severe incident of an attacking a doctor during work. The physician was treated in the emergency room and discharged, and Clalit teams are closely accompanying him. The assailant was arrested, and we expect strict law enforcement. Violence against medical teams is a red line.

Police confirmed that the assailant, an emotionally unstable individual, was arrested and an investigation has been launched.