Israel Security Agency confirms fatal Petah Tikva stabbing was act of terror
Palestinian, 46, from village near Nablus, had work permit, Israeli authorities disclose
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) confirmed Monday that last week’s fatal Petah Tikva attack was an act of terror, Hebrew media reported.
Khalil Abd al-Khaliq Dweikat, 46, from the Palestinian village of Rujeeb near Nablus in the West Bank, stabbed to death 39-year-old Rabbi Shai Ohayon, father of four, on Wednesday.
According to the Shin Bet, Dweikat held a work permit but stayed in Israel several consecutive days prior to the attack, violating the terms of his permit.
“In a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Israel Police it was determined that the assailant acquired a knife and carried out the attack out of nationalist motives,” the security service said as quoted by The Times of Israel.
The terrorist reportedly stabbed Rabbi Ohayon multiple times, leaving him in critical condition. Civilians who were nearby noticed what was taking place and launched a foot chase.
Dweikat then entered an area of garages in Sgula Junction, where civilians and police officers managed to apprehend him.
Ohayon’s death was later pronounced at the hospital.