Israeli Military: Family of 5 Murdered in West Bank Home

The Israeli military says a family of 5 was murdered in their West Bank home early Saturday morning. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not explicitly accuse Palestinians of carrying out the attack, he did request that Palestinian authorities help look for those responsible.

At least one person entered the family’s home in the settlement of Itamar around 1 a.m. and killed two parents and three of their children, ages 11, 3 and 3 months. Two other children in the home, ages 4 and 2, were not injured. The couple’s eldest child, age 12, reportedly discovered the tragedy after returning home from a youth group activity. The military did not release any more details on the attack. Local media reported the family was stabbed to death.

Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Benny Gantz was at the scene and described it as “horrific.” “This was a criminal act perpetrated by beastly men. The scenes are horrific and it is difficult for the mind to grasp what has happened. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we have the murderers in our hands,” he said.

Prime Minister Netanyahu denounced the attack, calling it a “heinous act.” “Israel will not accept such a heinous murder and will act strongly to keep the safety of the lives of Israeli citizens and punish the murderers. We all know, as do those who want to strike at us will know, that the future of the settlements will not be decided upon by terror,” he said.

###

Click here for more World News