Police: Palestinian attacks border cops near Jerusalem, is shot dead

Alleged stabbing attempt occurs east of the capital, as President Trump visits Old City

By Judah Ari Gross 22 May 2017, 4:41 pm 1

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Judah Ari Gross is The Times of Israel's religions and Diaspora affairs correspondent.

Border police secure the site of a stabbing attempt at the Kiosk Junction near the East Jerusalem village of Abu Dis, November 10, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Israel Police)

Border Police officers shot dead a Palestinian man as he attempted to stab them at a guard post in the Palestinian town of Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, police said Monday.

No officers were reported injured, a police spokesperson said.

The alleged attack outside Jerusalem occurred as US President Donald Trump was in the capital for an official state visit with security significantly ramped up in and near the city.

The name of the Palestinian man has yet to be released, but he was identified as a resident of the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

A knife used in an alleged stabbing attack on border guards near the Qalandiya crossing in the central West Bank on May 22, 2017. (Israel Police)

Police recovered the knife used in the attack. It was a cheap stainless steel blade that appeared to have bent out of shape.

Some 11,000 police and security forces are taking part in the operation to secure Trump’s visit. On Tuesday, he is slated to travel to Bethlehem.

Palestinians have taken part in violent protests across the West Bank throughout Monday, clashing with Israeli troops.

According to the Red Crescent, three Palestinians were hit by gunfire during protests in the city of Qalandiya, north of Jerusalem, and in the town of Nabi Saleh, north of Ramallah. They were in stable condition.

Another 26 Palestinians are also receiving treatment for lighter injuries, the Red Crescent said.

Dov Lieber contributed to this report.