The firebombed car near Maale Shomron
The firebombed car near Maale ShomronMDA Judea and Samaria

Security forces believe they have apprehended the terrorists responsible for Thursday night's firebomb attack, which left a young girl in critical condition.

Speaking to 11-year-old Ayala Shapira's mother on Friday, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon revealed that it appeared the attacker had been apprehended. His identity has not yet been released.

IDF forces quickly deployed in a massive operation to track down the terrorist responsible for the attack, which also left father Avner lightly injured. 12 Palestinian residents of the village of Kfar Azoun were arrested during the operation.

Ya'alon had vowed to "lay hands" on the attacker earlier Friday during a visit to the scene of the near-deadly firebombing, where he met with top-ranking IDF commanders to review the security situation in the sector. 

He praised the "rapid" deployment of "military operations and security forces on the ground following the attack."

"We will put our hands on the attackers and if they have backers - we will even reach them," Ya'alon said. "The IDF and Shin Bet will know to address the situation where there is mass terror, which includes throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks." 

Ya'alon then visited critically wounded 11-year-old Ayala Shapira at Tel HaShomer's Sheba Medical Center and spoke with her parents. 

"Be strong," Ya'alon told the parents. "Ayala is in the good hands of excellent doctors. I wish her a speedy recovery."

"Looking ahead, this is a very complex and trying time, and you should stock up mental strength for it," he continued. "This terror aims to intimidate the residents of Judea and Samaria, but from my knowledge of the people of the region, and from talking to you, I can tell that they will not deter us."

The young victim's condition has stabilized slightly overnight, but the public is still being asked to pray for the recovery of Ayala bat Rut.