Israeli Military Kills Palestinian in West Bank Ramming Attempt Near Jenin

Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man who attempted to ram his vehicle into soldiers at an intersection near Jenin in the northern West Bank on Sunday, the military said. Troops were searching for a second man who had been in the car.

The military said the suspected attacker opened fire from the vehicle and then fled on foot. After a search by security forces, the man — injured while fleeing — was detained at a hospital where he had sought treatment.

In a separate statement, the military said it killed another Palestinian man who attempted a ramming attack against soldiers at an intersection near Jenin less than an hour later. It said it was searching for another man who was in that car as well.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attacks "despicable" and instructed the military to expand its operations in the West Bank.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli troops carried out a large counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank town of Al-Mughayyir. Palestinian officials said at least 28 people were detained.

According to the United Nations, it was the second time this year that an Israeli civilian had been killed in a confrontation with a Palestinian in the West Bank.

Tensions have surged in the West Bank, where extremist Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians have increased sharply, emboldened by right-wing, ultra-nationalist politicians in Israel's government.