Israeli forces encircle village of Palestinian terrorist

IDF units are encircling Ur a-Tachta, the Palestinian village on Rte 443, home to one of the two terrorists who raided Beit Horon earlier Monday and knifed two Israeli women – injuring one critically and other seriously. The other terrorist came from the Kalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem.

Police have closed Rte 443, one of the two highways to Jerusalem – officially because of ice on the road, but additionally, in view of security operations related to the latest Palestinian terrorist attack. It marked a serious escalation in that the knifemen also carried three pipe bombs ready for use.