Palestinian tries to stab Israel soldier, shot dead

A Palestinian teenager tried to stab an Israeli soldier near the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday before being shot dead, officials said, the latest death in a flare-up of violence.

“An assailant armed with a knife attempted to stab an IDF (Israel Defence Force) soldier at a checkpoint at the entrance to (the village of) Bani Naim,” an Israeli Army statement said.

“Responding to the immediate threat, forces fired at the assailant, resulting in his death.”

The Palestinian health ministry identified the alleged assailant as Issa Tarayra, 16, from Bani Naim. Tuesday’s incident was the ninth since Friday, coming after Palestinians wrapped up the Muslim celebration of Id ul-Zuha and as Israel tightened security ahead of major Jewish holidays in October.

The upsurge has shattered several weeks of relative calm. The recent attacks have mostly taken place in and around Hebron in the occupied West Bank and in annexed east Jerusalem. An Israeli policewoman stabbed outside Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday was in serious condition in intensive care. Following that attack, which also left another police officer with moderate wounds, Israeli authorities closed Palestinian shops in the area. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the closures were ordered for officers to search the area.