Israel Matzav

Truck driver kills 'Palestinian' hijackers

A 52-year old Ashkelon truck driver killed two 'Palestinians' who were attempting to steal his truck on Sunday, and wounded a third.

Ynet has learned that the driver, a 52-year-old resident of Ashkelon, obtained a firearms license in 1994.

According to the investigation, the Palestinians called the driver and asked that he tow a tractor in Mount Hebron, but when he arrived they struck him with clubs and iron rods and managed to drag him out of the truck. The driver, who was lightly hurt, recovered and fired two shots at the Palestinians as they were trying to push him back into the truck. He told police he feared they were attempting to kidnap him.

Two of the Palestinians were killed, while a third, who was injured, fled to a Palestinian hospital in Hebron. The Israeli driver rushed to a nearby IDF checkpoint to report the incident.

Palestinian sources identified the victims as Naim Nijar, 34, who was shot in his head and neck, and Anwar Abed Rabbo, 35, who was shot in his chest. The sources said there may be other wounded Palestinians.

An initial IDF inquiry indicated that the Palestinians had likely tried to rob the truck driver. Large IDF forces arrived at the scene to examine whether the incident could have resulted in a kidnapping.

JPost adds:

The incident began when the tow truck driver from Ashkelon made his way to the South Hebron Hills near Yatir. "It looks like he was lured to the spot by Palestinians who ordered his services," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. The driver allegedly came under attack in the attempted robbery, and was struck on the head with a blunt object.

He fired six shots at his attackers. Soon afterwards, a Hebron area hospital reported receiving the bodies of two Palestinians with gunshot wounds.

"We're looking into the connection between these developments," Rosenfeld said.

The truck driver is hospitalized in the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba in light condition. A Judea and Samaria police spokesman said he was being questioned in hospital. "We will release further details soon," he added.

I wonder if he'll think twice about accepting a call from an Arab-sounding person the next time. He's lucky to be alive.

Labels: Palestinian terrorism

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:28 PM