Preliminary reports from MDA on Monday indicated eight wounded in a suspected terror attack in Ra’anana in central Israel. Suspected car-ramming and stabbing attacks are initially reported.
January 15, 2024
09:15 PM
Woman killed in Ra’anana terror attack identified as Edna Blushtein, 79
08:21 PM
Terror attack suspect tells Shin Bet plan for attack
“When the war in Gaza began, my cousin and I decided to carry out an attack and become martyrs,” the suspect is quoted as having said according to Israel’s Channel 12.
“We got a ride to Ra’anana from Hebron three days ago. Our plan was first to stab Jews. Then we decided to run over as many Jews as possible.”
07:55 PM
Update from the Schneider Pediatrics Center on those wounded in the terror attack
“The 16-year-old left the operating room and is currently being treated in the intensive care unit in a very serious condition with a head and spine injury. 4 more children whose condition is mild to moderate are hospitalized in the surgical department. 2 children are still in the emergency department for clarification and evaluation”
04:38 PM
Hamas welcomes Ra’anana terror attack
The Hamas terrorist group that controls Gaza welcomed the attack in Ra’anana and called it a “natural response” to the “massacre and aggression” in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The message stated that “our people will continue to revolt in the West Bank and in Jerusalem and we call on them to escalate the struggle
04:21 PM
Attackers identified as Ahmed Zidat and Mahmoud Zidat
Israel’s internal security force, the Shin Bet, identified the perpetrators of Monday’s combined attack in Ra’anana. The attackers were named as Ahmed Zidat, 25 years old, a resident of Bnei Naim/Yitir and Mahmoud Zidat, 44 years old, also a resident of Bnei Naim/Yitir.
“The two are relatives, illegal residents in Israel, and were blocked entry on the grounds of being illegal residents a large number of times,” the Shin Bet stated. “The two were transferred to the Shin Bet investigation. The investigation into the attack continues.”
04:08 PM
West Bank clashes near Hebron kill one Palestinian, injure ten
04:06 PM
Police officially declare attack as a terror act
03:44 PM
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett : ‘We’re not going anywhere. We’re here to stay forever’
At the scene of Monday’s attack in Ra’anana, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett – a resident of the area – gave a briefing to journalists:
“First of all, I wish full recovery to the injured and I pay my respects to the family of the desceased woman. The enemy is trying to attack us everywhere – in southern Israel, in the north, and also here in central Israel.
“I want to be very clear for every terrorist: We’re not going anywhere. We’re here to stay forever. And every terrorist should also know that we’re going to get to the last of them. We’re going to hunt down every terrorist so they’ll know that there’s a price to pay.
03:37 PM
Second suspect arrested in connection with attack
The second suspect has also been identified as being from the West Bank city of Hebron.
Both men were working in the city’s industrial zone illegally, according to Central District Commander Avi Bitton.
03:27 PM
Woman killed in attack was 70 years old
03:22 PM
Investigation handed over to Shin Bet following suspects’ arrests
03:12 PM
Beilinson Hospital: 6 wounded were run over and evacuated to the trauma room
Three are said to be in serious condition: one in their 60s, another in their 20s, and a minor.
Two minors are in medium condition. One person in their 20s is lightly wounded.
03:11 PM
Israeli woman succumbs to wounds sustained in attack
03:05 PM
MDA Emergency response medic Eli Rahmot describes what they saw upon arriving at the scene
Emergency MDA medic Eli Rahmot: “When we arrived at the scene, we saw three injured people who were conscious. A 66-year-old man was lying down suffering from penetrating injuries to his body. In about 50 meters, two injured people were walking in a light condition, suffering from minor bruises on their bodies.”
“We gave them initial medical treatment on the ground and evacuated them in an MDA intensive care vehicle to the hospital when their condition is mild and moderate.”
02:53 PM
8 casualties of the Ra’anana attack are children – report
02:42 PM
Police say suspects, Hebron residents, switched 3 cars before arrest
02:36 PM
Number of wounded people rises to 18 casualties
02:24 PM
Main suspect stabbed a woman, stole a car, carried out ramming in two areas
02:20 PM
14 wounded, 70-year old women in critical condition, two more people – in serious
“MDA EMTs are treating and evacuating 14 casualties: 70 year old female in critical condition, 34 and 16 year old males in serious condition with head and limb injuries, 8 in moderate condition and 3 in mild condition.”
02:18 PM
Authorities ask Ra’anana residents to stay indoors, local schools are directed not to let students outside
The suspected attack occurred as many schools were dismissing students for the day.