Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has praised the security forces who worked quickly to eliminate the terrorist who perpetrated the Saturday afternoon stabbing attack in Jerusalem.
Bennett spoke with Public Security Minister Omer Barlev and Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai following the attack. He was updated on the findings of the initial investigation, and instructed that the necessary actions be taken in order to prevent further conflicts on the ground.
"The soldiers acted quickly and very determinedly - as expected from Israeli police - in dealing with a terrorist who was trying to murder an Israeli citizen," Bennett said. "I would like to extend full backing. This is how our soldiers are expected to act, and this is how they acted. We must not allow our capital city to become a hotbed of terror."
Former Jerusalem mayor, MK Nir Barkat from the Likud, praised the fighters who eliminated the terrorist.
"I support the fighters of the Border Police, who operated with appropriate determination against the terrorist in the Jerusalem's Old City," Barkat said. "The fighters acted as expected of them, worked to make contact, neutralized the criminal terrorist and prevented him from continuing to terrorize innocent Jews. Every terrorist who attempts to raise his head and harm Jews - will meet the iron hand of our dear fighters."
"The attack in Jerusalem this evening is a cruel terrorist act and intolerable," wrote Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu). "I support the security forces who operated as expected of them, quickly and with determination, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) said, "I support the security forces and the Border Police who acted quickly tonight, determinedly worked to make contact, and brought about the end of this despicable terror attack at Damascus Gate, saving lives. I throw my full support behind our soldiers. We will not allow terrorists to run wild in Jerusalem, or in any area of Israel. I wish a speedy recovery to the person injured in the stabbing attack."
Public Security Minister Omer Barlev (Labor) said, "The footage from the attack this evening shows 50 seconds in which a terrorist crosses a crosswalk, attacks a haredi several times, continues, and moves towards a Border Police officer, attacking him until the moment the officers shoot at him. A second or two after the initial shots, the officers needed to make a decision regarding whether or not the injured terrorist was about to activate an explosive belt."
Defense Minister Benny Gantz (Blue and White) responded: "A good week to everyone. Border Police forces in Jerusalem did what was obvious: They neutralized a terrorist who had the means and intention [to cause harm], with professionalism and determination. That is what the materials we have, and the initial investigation, have shown us."
"I would like to extend my support to them. I wish a complete recovery to the injured and I promise you that we will continue with our preparedness in all areas, to act against anyone who tries to harm the citizens of Israel."