The commander of the Binyamin Brigade in the Binyamin Regional Council of the Shomron came under attack on Friday morning, 16 Tammuz. The colonel’s vehicle was ambushed and a large stone was thrown at the windshield, penetrating the vehicle. B’chasdei Hashem no one was killed or injured.

Colonel Yisrael Shomer got out of his vehicle and fired in the air to distance the attackers. They continued throwing stones at him. He fired at one attacker, wounding him seriously. He died a short time later. The attackers was identified by the PA (Palestinian Authority) as Mohammed Kosba, 17. It is reported a brother of his was died during terror activities during the so-called Second Intifada.

A second attack occurred on Friday morning at the Kalandia Checkpoint when a female soldier was lightly wounded after an Arab hurled at bottle at her. She was treated and released on the scene.

The PA Maan news agency had a headline following the incidents “IDF General kills a Palestinian on his way to al-Aqsa”. IDF forces are on heighten alert following the death of Kosba as rioting was reported shortly after noon in the Shechem district and amid the realization clearly the PA was using the death of the teenage attacker in the incident with Colonel Shomer to incite violence. Restrictions are in place on Har Habayis as well as Friday is the third Friday of Ramadan prayers.

In the Maale Zeitim area of the eastern capital Arabs hurled a firebomb at a Jewish home close to noon. B’chasdei Hashem no fatalities, injuries or damage reported.

IDF officials told the media that Colonel Shomer acted in line with protocol, having first fired warning shots to distance the attackers. They explain the photo of the commander’s vehicle are testimony to the life-threatening situation.

In Hebron, Jews protested the decision by the local brigade commander to permit many Arab stores along the route to the Machpelah to reopen. They feel the move will compromise the safety of mispallalim heading to the Machpelah.

Tensions are running high in Hebron and a large IDF presence continues to patrol the holy city.  Police on Thursday night foiled a stabbing attack in the city. The assailant was taken into custody by border police. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i5lb5tt67I

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)