IDF soldier stabbed, moderately hurt in Afula attack

An IDF soldier was stabbed in the northern city of Afula, in the latest of a string of attacks on Israelis around the country on Thursday. The suspected attacker was apprehended by police.

The 20-year-old soldier was in moderate condition after suffering a stab wound to the chest. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The attack took place in downtown Afula, an eyewitness told Channel 2. The suspected attacker was tackled by bystanders. A video posted on Facebook appeared to show residents of Afula apprehending the suspect, and some of them beating him while pinned to the ground.

The suspect was later identified as 20-year-old Tariq Abd el-Fattah Yahya of Jenin.

Police had to use tear gas to disperse the mob that gathered around the suspected attacker. Residents then hurled stones at the police, Channel 10 reported, then attacked a Channel 2 news crew.

The suspect was in police custody and being interrogated.

Thursday evening’s attack was the fourth stabbing attack of the day, following assaults on Israelis in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Kiryat Arba. No one was killed in any of the attacks, although at least seven people were injured.