Tragedy in Beit Shemesh: New details on the attack and the suspect's background

New details have emerged regarding the stabbing incident that took place on Monday in Beit Shemesh, in which two children were attacked in their home. The suspect, who lives nearby, has a history of drug use. It has also been revealed that after being stabbed, the children attempted to flee inside their home—where the father of one of them and a 16-year-old teenager were present—in an attempt to call for help and draw attention to their injuries.

As previously reported, two children were injured in a violent incident on Emek HaZeitim Street. Medical teams performed resuscitation efforts on a 7-year-old child in critical condition, but his death was later pronounced at the hospital. A second child, 4 years old, was evacuated to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The neighbor suspected of the act has been arrested.

According to sources familiar with the details, the suspect was located a few meters from the scene while holding the weapon. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him attempt to clean blood off the knife. It has also been established that the attacker entered the courtyard and stabbed the children, who then ran inside to seek help. Rescue forces were called immediately—a fact that contradicts earlier reports suggesting the children were found in a backyard pool.

While the suspect has a history of drug use, he is not currently known to health or police systems as suffering from mental disorders, though these matters remain under investigation. Additionally, it has been clarified that the victims are cousins, not brothers as initially reported. The investigation is being conducted by the Jerusalem District Central Unit (YAMAR).