Security forces are seeking the killer of Dafna Meir, an Israeli mother of six, who was murdered at her home in the West Bank settlement of Otniel on Sunday.
Mrs Meir wrestled with the attacker to protect the three of her children who were in the home during the attack.
The stabber fled the scene before he could reach the children.
According to army sources, assailant fled to the adjacent Palestinian village of Khirbet Karameh, in the south Hebron hills.
An Otniel resident told Ha'aretz: “I sat a few dozen metres from the home. I heard a scream. I didn’t understand what was happening. I saw him (the terrorist) running, within two to three seconds he was down below. At first I didn’t understand what was happening … I didn’t see his face at all.”
Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said on Sunday night: “The murder today in Otniel teaches us once again what kind of cruel and uncontrolled enemy we face. The security forces – the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet and Israel Police – will apprehend the murderer and those who sent him, if there were any. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we settle the score with the terrorist, wherever he may be.”
President Reuven Rivlin said: “This is a horrific tragedy, and I am with you with all of my heart. This is shocking and terrible. At this time of grief, disbelief, and pain, I am sure you are focused on doing all that is needed to help the family and all the residents of the community.”
