‘Intentional Attack’ at Syrian Border Kills Israeli Teen

An Israeli teenager was killed and two others wounded at the Syrian border in what the IDF considers an “intentional attack” against civilians.

An explosion Sunday morning at the border with Syria claimed the life of 15-year-old Muhammad Karaka from the Galilee village of Arraba and wounded two others – including the boy’s father, who was doing contract work for the Defense Ministry. He reportedly is in serious condition.

In response, IDF forces fired at military positions in Syria.

“This is not a case of errant fire, but of an intentional attack,” said IDF Spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner. “The IDF will continue to watch the northern border and react to developments in the field accordingly.”

The wounded were transported to Rambam Hospital in Haifa.

At the same time, the IDF is searching for three Israeli teenagers kidnapped by Hamas 10 days earlier. Israeli intelligence indicates the boys are in the region of Judea and Samaria, where tensions are high, the IDF said, adding that rocket attacks from Gaza at southern Israel have also increased.

“Israeli officials are examining a range of possible causes for the explosion, including mortar fire and the activation of an explosive device,” according to the IDF blog. “The vehicle belongs to Israel’s Ministry of Defense and was intended for construction work on the border.”

The explosion occurred in the northern Golan Heights, near territory held by Syrian rebels, although there is no confirmation as to which side in the Syrian civil war was responsible for the attack on the Israeli boy.

Violence from Syrian Border Increasing

Violence from the Syrian conflict, however, regularly spills into Israel, particularly over the past several months, the IDF blog noted.

In March alone, two Hezbollah-affiliated terrorists attempted to plant an explosive device near the border.  Later that month, a concealed explosive device was activated against IDF soldiers patrolling the Israel-Lebanon border. Additionally, an explosive device injured four IDF soldiers when it detonated under their patrol jeep near the Israel-Syria border.

Israel regularly treats wounded Syrians who manage to cross the border for medical aid. In fact, the IDF established a makeshift hospital near the border.

On another occasion, a pregnant Syrian woman crossed into Israel to give birth and was cared for at Ziv Medical Center in Safed.

Written by: United with Israel Staff