The policeman murdered in the Monday morning shooting attack in the Southern Chevron Hills area was identified as a 14-year veteran of the force, Sergeant-Major Yehoshua (Shuki) Sofer, 39, a resident of Beersheva. Sofer served in the Chevron district his entire career.

Three other policemen were wounded by terrorist gunfire in the attack, which occurred at about 7:20am near Beit Chaggai. The police transport vehicle, a van, was bringing policemen from the Beersheva area to the Chevron district for the shift change. Terrorists opened fire with automatic weapons. The driver, who was lightly wounded, continued driving until reaching an IDF position.

Police first believed that the attack was perpetrated from a passing vehicle but at present, during the early afternoon hours, they believe the attacker(s) stood on the side of the road in a stationary ambush.

One of the other officers remains in serious condition, and the others are in lighter condition. Police Chief Dudi Cohen arrived on the scene and was briefed. From there, he headed to Hadassah Hospital to visit some of the wounded. The driver, who sustained light injuries, was transported to Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)