Two Israelis die killed in Palestinian knife attack in Jerusalem

Three Israelis were repeatedly stabbed by two Palestinian terrorists outside Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem Wednesday and taken to hospital in serious and critical condition. Two of the three died of their wounds – Ofer Ben Ari, 40, father of two from Jerusalem and Reuven Birmacher, 45, father of seven from Kiryat Ye’arim. The third victim is still in grave condition. Two female border guards on duty halted the attack by rushing to the scene and shooting the two terrorists, killing them both. One of their bullets may have accidentally caused the second Israeli fatality. This is under investigation. DEBKAfile: Israeli security authorities are redoubling precautions following information that Palestinian terror attacks are being planned to mar the Christmas and New Year season, especially in Jerusalem, which is the focus of Christian pilgrimage and tourism.