The Shin Bet (General Security Service) has identified the Palestinian Arab terrorist who stabbed a Border Guard Police officer at the Tapuach junction earlier today as 25-year-old Mahmad Amsha, a resident of Samaria. But his “terror credentials” are still unclear.
Amsha lived in a village southwest of Jenin, according to the Shin Bet, and was a “lone wolf” attacker, unaffiliated with any recognized terror organization. Arab media reported Amsha was age 22 and a member of the Islamic Jihad terror organization, however.
Around midday Monday, (Aug. 17), Amsha approached a Border Guard Police officer guarding the Tapuach junction, saying he didn’t feel well and asking for medical assistance, according to the IDF spokesperson’s unit.
“When he got within a close range of the forces, he pulled out a knife and attempted to stab an officer,” the IDF said in a statement. “The officer was lightly injured and managed to fight off the assailant. The forces on site responded immediately, firing towards the attacker.”
Amsha subsequently died of his wounds, despite receiving treatment by IDF medics on site.
In its response, the Palestinian Authority warned in a statement: “Israel is executing our people in cold blood and the international community should stop it before the situation explodes.”
Monday’s attack was nearly identical to a similar attack in the same spot on Saturday by another Palestinian Authority Arab who likewise stabbed an IDF soldier in the back after he had turned to get him the water the terrorist had asked for, saying he was thirsty.
In that instance as well, other soldiers at the scene acted swiftly to neutralize the stabber, who later died of his gunshot wounds.