Defense Minister Israel Katz responded Thursday to a stabbing attack near Alon Moreh in Samaria, identifying the victim as Itamar Cohen, one of the founders of agricultural farms in Judea and Samaria, and pledging that the Israel Defense Forces will continue dismantling terrorism across the region.
"I wish a speedy recovery to Itamar Cohen, one of the founders of the agricultural farms in Judea and Samaria, who was wounded in a terrorist attack near Alon Moreh. I strengthen him and his family members and pray for his complete healing," Katz stated.
The defense minister noted that Palestinian terrorism has declined by more than 80% through what he characterized as the government's "aggressive policy," While cautioning that "the Palestinian terrorism still exists, and we continue to act against it at all times and in all places."
Katz said that just as security forces dismantled terrorist infrastructures in the camps of Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams, they would pursue similar operations in other villages and camps. He added that "Terrorism will not deter us or achieve its goal. On the contrary - just as we established 104 new communities and legalized 160 farms - we will continue to strengthen the settlements... as part of the State of Israel's security strategy, and to continue developing Judea and Samaria while maintaining uncompromising security for its residents and for the security of all Israeli citizens."
Cohen, 51, was airlifted by military helicopter to a hospital with serious injuries, according to the Magen David Adom national emergency service.