Palestinian Assailant Killed After Stabbing Two Israeli Soldiers Near West Bank Settlement

Stabbing Incident Near Ateret Settlement

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, a Palestinian assailant stabbed and lightly wounded two Israeli soldiers near the West Bank settlement of Ateret, located north of Ramallah. The attacker was subsequently shot dead by Israeli forces at the scene. The incident took place on Route 465.

Details of the Attack

The event unfolded after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops were dispatched to investigate a suspicious individual observed near Ateret. Security cameras in the settlement had reportedly detected the suspect, who was believed to have originated from the nearby village of Bayt Rima. When soldiers confronted the individual and began a security check, he reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed two of them. The soldiers then responded with gunfire, neutralizing the assailant.

Casualties and Assailant Identified

The two Israeli soldiers, both approximately 20 years old, sustained light or mild injuries. Medics from Magen David Adom (MDA) provided initial medical treatment at the scene before evacuating them to a hospital for further care. The Palestinian Authority health ministry identified the deceased assailant as Mohammed Asmar, an 18-year-old from Beit Rima. Reports indicate that the IDF seized Asmar's body following the incident.

Broader Context of West Bank Violence

This stabbing attack is part of a recent escalation in violence across the West Bank. On the same day, another incident occurred near Hebron, where a female soldier was lightly wounded in a car-ramming attack, and the assailant was also killed. The IDF stated that the incident near Ateret is currently under investigation. Palestinian groups, including Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), issued statements praising the attacks, describing them as a 'natural and legitimate response' to Israeli actions.