An Arab terrorist who tried to stab IDF soldiers in Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem, was clubbed by a soldier and died later of his wounds. It occurred shortly after it was announced that Israel had secretly allowed a shipment of rifles to the Palestinian Authority.
Around 10:30 Thursday morning, a 21-year-old terrorist approached several IDF soldiers near Tekoa in eastern Gush Etzion. The forces reported that the terrorist then unsheathed a knife and tried to stab one of the soldiers. Another soldier was about to shoot him, but was afraid that he might hit a soldier near him - and so he beat him with his club instead. An IDF paramedic force arrived to give him medical treatment, but the terrorist died of his wounds.
Arab sources reported that the terrorist was never close to the soldiers, and that he was mentally retarded. Israel responded that even if so, this did not reduce the danger he presented. His body was handed over to the Red Crescent.
On this backdrop, it was learned Thursday that the government had approved the transfer of 3,000 guns - some reports said 1,000 - from Jordan to the Palestinian Authority forces in Jericho. "This is an irresponsible move by [Prime Minister Ehud] Olmert and [Defense Minister Ehud] Barak," said Likud MK and faction chief Gideon Saar. "It is based on total ignoring of our past experience and lessons, which show that the guns will be used against Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. Fatah has no lack of weapons."
The Israel Air Force fired at a Kassam rocket launching cell late Thursday morning, hitting at least one terrorist and destroying the launchers. Further to the south early Thursday afternoon, Arabs in Gaza fired an anti-tank shell at IDF forces, causing no injuries or damage.