Israeli ATV Riders Attacked in Samaria Amid High West Bank Tensions
Three Israeli ATV riders were attacked by a mob of Palestinians and foreign activists near Samaria. Meanwhile, two IDF soldiers were killed in a shooting attack.
Three Israeli ATV riders were attacked by dozens of Palestinians and foreign activists on Friday while traveling toward the Ein Amsa spring in Samaria. The victims sustained minor injuries, fled the scene on foot, and left their vehicles behind to be vandalized.
Ambush on the Way to the Spring
The incident began as the three travelers made their way toward the spring. According to those involved, between 30 and 40 attackers armed with stones and clubs waited by the side of the road. The riders were beaten and forced to abandon their ATVs in the field.
"Between thirty and forty Arabs and anarchists waited for us in an ambush along the way. They attacked us with stones and clubs, while the anarchists stood by, filmed, and made no effort to conceal their joy. We fled the scene on foot while they attempted to destroy our vehicles," recounted M., one of the injured victims.
Demand for the Expulsion of Foreign Activists
Following the incident, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan spoke with the wounded men and called on the defense establishment to arrest the attackers and deport the foreign activists from the country. Dagan emphasized that the attack was a severe violation and stated that security forces must respond firmly.
Escalating Tensions in Judea and Samaria
The assault occurred amid heightened tensions in Judea and Samaria. Hours earlier, IDF soldiers Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roitman (23) from Ashkelon and Sergeant Yuval Shay Suilem from Hod HaSharon were killed in a shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction in the southern Hebron hills.
