Karmiel terror suspect identified as 21-year-old from nearby Arab town; mayor condemns attack

Security officials have identified the suspect from today’s deadly terror stabbing attack at a Karmiel mall as 21-year-old Jawwad Omar Rubia from the northern Arab Israeli town of Nahf.

Several of his family members were arrested at the scene, as they worked at the mall, according to the Haaretz daily, which says that police subsequently entered Nahf to carry out several other arrests of Rubia’s relatives.

Nahf’s mayor Muhammad Zuri issues a statement condemning the attack in which he stressed that his town has long maintained good relations with neighboring Jewish communities.

“I hope this won’t spoil those relations. There is outrage in the village over this incident, and we hope it will remain an isolated one,” the mayor says.