Security Guard Stabbed in Maale Adumim

Jerusalem, 26 February, 2016 (TPS) -- An assailant stabbed an Israeli security guard overnight Thursday-Friday, February 25-26 in the Judean town of Maale Adumim, in another apparent act of Palestinian terrorism.

The victim, 48 years old and posted at the town’s shopping mall, suffered a head wound and was transported to Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, where he underwent surgery and remains in critical condition. He has been admitted to intensive care and is on a respirator.

Israeli police, in cooperation with border police and security forces, are conducting a manhunt for the assailant. A helicopter has been dispatched to assist with the search. Police have imposed a closure on Maale Adumim until Sunday, barring Palestinian workers from the town as a security measure.

An initial investigation of the incident had led the police and Israel Security Agency to conclude the attack had been “nationalistic” in nature.

“This is a difficult incident,” said Shlomi Michael, chief of the police’s Judea and Samaria District. “We will do all in our power to get our hands on the attacker.”