Armed civilian stops terror attack near Jerusalem checkpoint

A potential terror attack was thwarted in Jerusalem's Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood Monday.

According to police, the incident occurred around 12:40 PM when the attacker, an East Jerusalem resident in his 30s, abruptly stopped his vehicle on Sayeret Duchifat Street and emerged brandishing a knife.

"Despite repeated warnings, the suspect continued advancing aggressively," said Jerusalem Police spokesman. The situation was quickly contained when an armed civilian, assisted by two other passersby, opened fire, neutralizing the threat before anyone could be harmed.

The assailant was critically wounded and transported to Hadassah Hospital, where he remains in serious condition. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

Jerusalem District Commander Deputy Commissioner Ronen Ovadia immediately ordered a full investigation, dispatching bomb disposal experts and forensics teams to secure the scene. The case has been assigned to the district's Central Investigation Unit.

The attack prompted temporary closures of access roads to nearby settlements, with traffic diverted to the Eastern Ring Road through Anata. Local authorities have maintained heightened security presence in the area.

"The swift civilian response prevented what could have been a far more serious incident," a senior police official noted.

Authorities continue to investigate the attacker's background and possible motivations while maintaining increased patrols in the area.