Israeli police on Sunday arrested a Palestinian man armed with a knife in Netanya.
The officers had responded to reports of suspicious activity at the city’s Independence Square.
The suspect did not have an entry permit to Green Line-Israel and was found in possession of a pocketknife.
The arrest comes after 23-year-old Palestinian Mutaz al-Khawaja, a Hamas member from Ni’lin, just beyond the Green Line in Samaria, wounded three Israelis on Thursday night when he opened fire outside a cafe on the corner of Dizengoff and Ben-Gurion Streets in Tel Aviv.
Or Asher, 32, was fighting for his life after undergoing surgery for a bullet wound to the neck sustained in the attack. The terrorist also shot Rotem Mansano, 34, who on Friday remained in serious condition following surgery. The third victim, Michael Osdon, 36, suffered mild to moderate wounds and was receiving treatment along with the other two men at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital).
The three friends were on their way to a wedding when they were attacked by al-Khawaja, who fled the scene while firing at other people before dying in a shootout with police.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers overnight on Thursday arrested two relatives of al-Khawaja in Ni’lin. They also mapped al-Khawaja’s house for potential demolition, according to the military.
On Friday, two Arab Israelis turned themselves in for driving al-Khawaja to perpetrate the attack.
Earlier Sunday, three Palestinian terrorists were killed by Israeli forces after shooting at soldiers near Yitzhar in Samaria. A fourth terrorist turned himself in to the security forces.
The gunmen had fired at soldiers engaged in routine activity at a military post near the Jit Junction, who responded with live fire, according to the IDF. No soldiers were injured.
“In a determined and precise action, the fighters of the Golani Brigade eliminated three terrorists who opened fire on them. I praise the fighters for their determination and professionalism. They prevented further attacks with their actions. Job well done,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
In January, security personnel arrested two Palestinians in Netanya on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack.
The suspects, who were in Green Line Israel illegally, were taken into custody following a manhunt near the city’s main market.
