Arabs on motzei shabbos tried to abduct an IDF soldier from the Shavei Shomron area, HaKol HaYehudi reports. The soldier tried firing at his would-be abductors but his weapon jammed, permitting the attackers to flee.

The soldier, an IDF reservist, was driving near Shavei Shomron on his way from the community to his reserve duty post. When he was near Kfar Nabi Elias an Arab driven vehicle passed him and slowed down to compel he to reduce speed as well.

The reservist became confused and continued driving towards the Arab village of Dir Sharaff and it when he realized his error, tried making a U turnbut the Arab vehicle prevented him from doing so. The reservist pulled his weapon and aimed at the vehicle as a door was opening. The weapon did not fire and one of the males got out and tried to grab the gun. A struggle ensued.

The soldier punched the Arab a number of times and he fled. The vehicle drove off towards Shechem. After reporting the incident IDF soldiers began a search in the area for the perpetrators.

Officials explain that since the reservist had long hair and was dressed in civilian clothing it could be the attackers mistook him for a female and tried to bring the vehicle to a halt as has been the case in many similar instances during recent weeks and months.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)