Two Israeli soldiers were killed as a 20-year old Palestinian rammed into a patrol of soldiers with his car on Friday afternoon near the settlement of Mevo Dotan, north of the West Bank.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians protested throughout Friday in what is known as "day of rage" to mark 100 days since US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Israeli sources pointed out that the Palestinian sustained light-to-moderate wounds and was treated at the scene. He was then evacuated to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, and said during investigation that the accident was not deliberate.
However, Israeli spokesman confirmed the attack was meant to hurt and kill soldiers, and are now looking into whether this was an individual act or part of a more elaborated scheme.
The Shin Bet identified the Palestinian as Alaa Kabha, a resident of Bartaa. He is a former prisoner who was released from prison in April 2017 after completing a 17-month sentence
Hamas welcomed the attack and praised Kabha , noted it marked 100 days since Trump has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and that it made clear that "the Palestinian people are continuing the intifada … and that the protest against (Trump's) decision and the (Israeli) occupation is not just a wave of (momentary) anger, but an ongoing matter until full liberation is achieved."
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad welcomed the escalation in attacks against soldiers and settlers, asserting they are part of the "natural right of the Palestinian people to defend itself in its land and holy places."
In response to the attack, Israeli Defense Minster Avigdor Lieberman vowed to push for Kabha to be executed, his home demolished and all those who cooperated with him brought to justice.
"There is no such thing as individual terrorism," Lieberman added, claiming this attack does not qualify as such for the fact that it is backed and supported by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority, "which pays money to the families of the terrorists."
Meanwhile as part of the ongoing protests, two Israeli soldiers were injured by stones thrown by protesters, one soldier was hurt near Tul Karem and evacuated to Meir hospital in Kfar Saba, another soldier was injured near the Yitzhar settlement near Nablus.
Three Palestinian protesters had been injured by Israeli fire according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Around 100 Palestinians are protesting along the security fence near the Gaza strip placing flags. Wafa reported that at least 7 Gazans were injured by Israeli fire during the clashes along the border fence.
Three others were injured by live fire near Khan Younis, and another Palestinian was injured near Jabalia after he was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu asking him to resign after he had been accused of three corruption cases.
"If a trial begins against the prime minister, he cannot serve," said Kahlon, who heads Kulanu Party which holds 10 Knesset seats, the withdrawal of which from the coalition would topple the government.
"And do you know what? He doesn’t need me for that. In my opinion, he himself will get up and go, or the other parties [will force him out]," added the minister.
