Israeli Army Radio Identifies Ashdod Attacker as Resident of Jabalia

BETHLEHEM: The Israeli army radio disclosed that the individual behind the recent Ashdod attack, which resulted in the death of an Israeli police officer and left four others injured, originated from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. This revelation came shortly after the assailant was neutralized by security forces on Tuesday. According to Maan News Agency, the attacker had been residing in Israel for a year prior to the outbreak of war and had reportedly moved to live in the Ramallah area of the West Bank in recent years. Israeli media, including reports from Channel 12, indicate conflicting theories about the attacker's current residence, suggesting he might have traveled from Gaza for the attack. This has led police and the Israeli General Security Service (Shabak) to consider the possibility that the assailant was indeed a Gaza Strip resident. In response to the incident, police conducted extensive searches in the area to locate additional injured individuals or potential suspects. The event also led to the temporary closure of Highway 4, although it was later reopened. The scene was visited by the controversial Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who used the opportunity to advocate for his policy of arming Israeli citizens, claiming it plays a significant role in minimizing casualties from such attacks. Also present was the recently appointed Inspector General of Police, Daniel Levy, who oversaw the immediate response operations.