Footage Reveals Wounded Sergeant Neutralizing Terrorist in Karmiel Stabbing Attack

By Yoni Weiss

Footage of Wednesday’s stabbing attack in Karmiel revealed the bravery of Sergeant Natan Shimon Avny, who, despite being seriously wounded, managed to eliminate the terrorist after he had critically stabbed Sergeant Aleksandr Iakiminskyi, Hy”d. Sadly, Iakiminskyi later succumbed to his injuries.

“Despite being stabbed three times in the chest and shoulder, he was composed and prevented a more serious attack,” said Kobi Avny, Natan’s father, from the Galilee Medical Center, where his son was hospitalized. “My son’s condition is stable. He underwent surgeries and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit.”

Kobi added that Natan was accompanying Iakiminskyi as a security guard on their way to their base in the northern Golan Heights when they stopped to eat in the Karmiel mall. “The terrorist came and stabbed them from behind. My son then acted quickly, shot his rifle, and neutralized the terrorist. Unfortunately, Aleksandr, his friend, was murdered in this horrific attack.”

In the footage, the terrorist can be seen stabbing the two soldiers from behind. Within seconds, Natan and Aleksandr reached for their weapons. Natan, despite falling to the ground initially, managed to cock his weapon and fire as the terrorist began stabbing Iakiminskyi. The terrorist was hit and retreated, but Iakiminskyi, despite his critical wounds, also cocked his weapon. Natan then shot the terrorist repeatedly until he was neutralized.