Stabbing Attack at Kibbutz Tsova Hotel: 2 Wounded and Terrorist Arrested by Police Officer

A stabbing attack took place on Friday in the dining room of a hotel at Kibbutz Tsova, leaving two people wounded. A 50-year-old man was seriously injured, while a 23-year-old man sustained moderate injuries. Both were conscious upon evacuation and are being treated at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.

The attacker, a 42-year-old resident of the Shuafat refugee camp with a history of security offenses, was employed at the hotel. He emerged from the kitchen during a busy dining hour and began stabbing guests without warning.

According to police, the suspect shouted that he "wanted to die" during the attack. Three additional hotel employees were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident.

Off-Duty Officer Neutralize Attacker

An off-duty police officer from the Negev Police Department, who was attending a family event at the hotel, played a critical role in subduing the terrorist. He described the moment he intervened:

“I saw people running out and shouted for them not to panic. I drew my weapon, identified myself with a police hat, and ran toward the commotion. I saw the terrorist surrounded by civilians and decided not to shoot to avoid further risk. Together with guests and staff, we brought him to the ground and handcuffed him,” he said. He later realized that one of the wounded victims was his own cousin.

Guests and staff helped in the physical restraint, with two individuals, David and Itzik Ratsavi, saying: “We tied him up with his own pants belt until the police arrived.”

An eyewitness added, “People were throwing chairs. One man grabbed the terrorist, and we all jumped on him. He threw away the knife, and it disappeared.”

Emergency Medical Response

Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics provided on-site treatment and evacuation. Paramedic Roi Ben Shoham reported treating the 23-year-old outside the hotel:

“He was sitting in the parking lot with a stab wound to the chest. We stopped the bleeding, administered oxygen, and transported him to the hospital in moderate condition.”

The seriously injured 50-year-old victim was found inside the dining room. Paramedic Noa Sadeh, who treated him, said:

“He was fully conscious but in serious and unstable condition. We gave him fluids and medication en route to the hospital.”

Investigation Underway

Police have launched a full investigation. The Mateh Yehuda police station and Border Guard forces responded to the scene. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was apprehended without gunfire, and efforts are ongoing to locate the knife and investigate the involvement of other employees.

Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital confirmed that both victims were being treated in the trauma unit.