An Israeli man was murdered by a Palestinian Arab terrorist who opened fire on Israeli security guards on Thursday near the town of Kedumim in Samaria.

According to an initial investigation, the terrorist opened fire on Israeli security guards near the Mitzpeh Yishai neighborhood and then proceeded to the nearby Jit junction, where a firefight with Israeli security forces ensued until he was eliminated.

According to the IDF, “security forces identified and stopped a suspicious vehicle for inspection. During the inspection, an assailant inside the vehicle opened fire toward them. The forces responded with live fire, and the assailant fled. IDF soldiers and civilian security personnel pursued the assailant and engaged and neutralized him.”

IDF homefront command activated the town’s alarm system and ordered residents to enter their homes.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant are being updated on the situation. The Hamas terror organization praised the attack but did not claim responsibility.

In response to the attack, MK Danny Dannon (Likud) called for the military to carry out targeted assassinations, “the struggle against terrorism does not end at the end of any operation. The state of Israel must continue eliminating terrorists.”