Several people have been killed in terrorist attacks that targeted Israel on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The first attack happened on Friday when an armed terrorist opened fire on innocent civilians who were leaving a Jerusalem synagogue after the Sabbath service.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said that seven civilians were murdered and that several others were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Police forces neutralized the terrorist and have since increased their presence in the area to deter future attacks.
Another terrorist attack happened Saturday morning when a 13-year-old terrorist shot at a father and son, who were both seriously injured, as they walked on the street, according to police.
“Terrorist organizations are encouraging and inciting for children to be involved in terrorist attacks against innocent civilians,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Terrorist organizations continue using fake news and non-stop incitement online calling for the murder of innocent Israelis, while encouraging the use of children as perpetrators of terrorism.”
“Israel will continue to act forcefully against the threat of terrorism,” the statement continued. “We will pursue and reach every terrorist who harms Israeli citizens. Anyone who wishes to harm Israel must know that they will pay a heavy price for their actions. We are calling on the public not to take the law into their own hands.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged people to not seek revenge for the attacks. “I call on the people not to take the law into their own hands. For that purpose, we have an army, police, and security forces,” he said. “They act and will act according to the cabinet instructions.”
The Biden administration responded to attacks by contacting Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
“The President made clear that this was an attack against the civilized world,” a White House statement said. “He offered all appropriate means of support to the Government and People of Israel over the coming days. The President stressed the iron-clad U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, and agreed that his team would remain in constant touch with their Israeli counterparts.”