Multiple communities across central Israel were placed on high alert as security forces launched a large-scale manhunt Thursday after a suspected car-ramming attack at a bus stop injured 11 people at the entrance to the central city of Kfar Yona.
The suspect, identified as Arkan Khaled, 27, from the Arab city of Taibe, allegedly fled on foot after abandoning the vehicle, a Toyota with Israeli license plates, near the town of Beit Lid.
Car-ramming suspect seen swerving before hitting a bus stop near Kfar Yona, central Israel, leaving 11 people injured
According to initial reports, he borrowed the car from an acquaintance in the city of Lod under the pretense of “buying bread” before carrying out the attack. Several individuals connected to the vehicle, including its owner, have been detained for questioning.
Among the injured are nine soldiers and two civilians. One soldier is in moderate condition, while the others sustained minor injuries. The wounded were transported to Sanz Medical Center in Netanya, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera and Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba.
Elite police and military units—including Border Police, the Tactical Brigade, undercover counterterror teams, canine units and the Israel Prison Service’s elite Masada unit—are involved in the search operation, which is focused across the Sharon region.
3 View gallery
Manhunt underway for suspected terrorist after car ramming attack
(Photo: Jack Guez / AFP)
Heightened security alerts have been issued in surrounding towns and villages. Emergency response squads have set up armed checkpoints at entrances to local communities, while police have established roadblocks on main highways, including Highway 57, causing significant traffic delays.
“Security forces across the region are now on heightened alert. Emergency response units have been deployed throughout the communities, with special attention to entrance gates and access points," the Emek Hefer Regional Council said in an update to residents.
"Active educational institutions are staffed with security guards, and all activities are restricted to enclosed areas. School security officers are stationed across the area. Please remain vigilant. If you notice anything suspicious or encounter any unusual incidents, report immediately to the police emergency line at 100.”
Manhunt underway for suspected terrorist after car ramming attack
(Video: Ido Erez)
One of the victims, hospitalized in the orthopedic ward at Sanz Medical Center, told his family: “I was on my way home to the north; it was my weekend off. I was showing my friend a video on my phone when someone suddenly shouted, ‘It’s a Toyota, it’s a terrorist, he fled.’ I have head and leg injuries. We were saved by a miracle. It quickly became clear this was a terror attack. It was a great miracle.”
Hagai Cohen, the father of another victim who was lightly injured, said: “It was truly a miracle. From what we understand, the terrorist sped toward them. Thank God everything’s okay; God was with us.”
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Alex, whose son was also wounded, said his son was hit by the car and “thrown seven meters into the air.” He added, “He was standing at the front of the bus stop when the vehicle swerved and hit them. He landed in the bushes, quickly realized it was an attack, and called emergency services. He’s in light condition, with dizziness and a head injury. It’s a real miracle.”
The search for the suspect is focused on Kfar Yona, surrounding communities and nearby agricultural fields. Forces are using helicopters and drones and are also searching construction sites and open areas west of the city.
“It’s terrifying to hear they still haven’t caught him," a local mother told Ynet. "I’m at work, my kids are home alone. I told them to lock all doors and windows and not to open the door to anyone. They’re scared. I left work and rushed home. We’re fed up with this situation; our security is falling apart. We just want to live in peace.”
“I was driving behind the terrorist; he cut me off. It was frightening," Kinneret Hanuka, an eyewitness to the attack, told Ynet. "He spotted the pedestrians, swerved in a split second and floored it like his life depended on it. I was terrified; everyone was lying on the ground, helpless in the sand. He stopped briefly, then kept driving. I quickly opened my car door and tried to help them.
"He was driving an old, filthy, disgusting Toyota covered in dust. In those few seconds I didn’t know whether to keep driving or not. It could’ve been much worse—there were more people at the bus stop. The victims were screaming, crying out; it was hard to see and hear. The ambulances arrived very quickly. God protected them; thankfully, no one was killed.”