PM Netanyahu: Terrorist is a 'beast incited by wild hatred'
In a Saturday night statement, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressed "deep sorrow over Friday night's murder of three family members in the community of Halamish."Victims of Halamish terror attack named
"This was an act of terrorism committed by a beast incited by wild hatred," he wrote."The security forces are doing their utmost to maintain security and, to this end, will take all necessary measures."
Also on Saturday night, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin attempted to comfort the bereaved families and community.
"At this difficult time our hearts go out to the bereaved family in Halamish, and to all the community there, after the incomprehensible loss they endured last night," he said. "The horrifying pictures, and the thought of the children who fled for shelter now dealing with the terrible news – it is truly heartbreaking."
I pray for the wounded's recovery, and wish to express my support for all the security forces working ceaselessly to ensure our safety, especially over the last few days. I am confident we will show no tolerance for those who plot against us, and will fight terrorism single-mindedly and mercilessly."
"This is the time for the whole free world to denounce terror and incitement, and join with the State of Israel in the war against terror and incitement. One who does not denounce terror is a partner to it, and has a hand in the deterioration of the whole region into a needless, bloody war, which no one wants."
The three victims of the Friday night terror attack in Halamish were named on Saturday as Yosef Salomon, 70, his daughter Chaya Salomon, 46, and son Elad Salomon, 36.Mother managed to lock away, save children during onslaught
The names were released once other family members had been notified following the end of Shabbat. Funeral times have not yet been set.
The three were killed on Friday night when a 19-year-old Palestinian, Omar al-Abed, from a nearby village, burst into their home at the Halamish settlement armed with a large knife and began stabbing the family members. There were apparently 10 people in the house, enjoying their Shabbat eve meal, when he entered. The gathering was a festive one, marking the birth of a new grandson.
Yosef Salomon’s wife Tova, 68, was seriously wounded and taken to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem where she underwent surgery on Saturday morning. When she came out, she was given the news that her husband and two of their children were dead.
The couple are survived by three other children.
When the terrorist burst into a house in Neve Tzuf (Halamish) and started stabbing those assembled, the wife of one of those killed managed to lock five children into a room and call the Police. Her quick thinking likely stopped the body count from being even higher.
According to reports, as soon as the woman saw the terrorist enter, she shoved five children into a side room, saving them from the terrorist onslaught. Meanwhile, a soldier on leave from the elite Oketz K-9 special forces unit heard what was going on and shot the terrorist through the window, ending the attack in progress.
"I operated instinctively" said A., whose name cannot be revealed due to the sensitive unit in which he serves. "I didn't want to waste time, and fired through the window."
The terrorist, Omer al Abed, had climbed over the fence of Neve Tzuf Friday night, and entered the residents' home, where they had gathered to celebrate the birth of a new grandchild. Al-Abed killed Yosef Tzvi Salomon (70), and his children Haya (46) and Elad (36).