Attacks in Israel Leave 5 Dead, Including US Teen

JERUSALEM, Israel – A drive-by shooting south of Jerusalem killed three people, including an American teen and an Arab bystander, and injured at least six others.

The shooter opened fire from his car at a minivan, then drove a little further before ramming his vehicle into another car, mortally wounding an 18-year-old American tourist and critically injuring a 50-year-old man who was evacuated unconscious to Jerusalem's Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

Israeli security forces shot and captured him as he attempted to open fire at other cars.

A second attack injured three people, one seriously, and sent several others into shock.

Two hours earlier, a stabbing attack outside a synagogue in southern Tel Aviv killed two Israelis in their early 30s. A third victim is reported in stable condition at a local hospital.

The attack took place as worshippers were gathered for afternoon prayers.

The first victim managed to get inside the synagogue where he collapsed in a pool of blood. The killer tried to push his way inside, but worshippers closed the door before he could enter. People on the street subdued the terrorist until police arrived.

According to Israeli media, the attacker is a 36-year-old resident of the Arab village of Dura near Hebron. He had a work permit and was employed at a restaurant right next to where the terror attack took place.

The stabbing took place one year to the day after two Arab terrorists murdered four Israelis in a synagogue in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Nof. The attackers shot and stabbed the four men to death as they gathered for morning prayers.

Hamas praised Thursday's attacks as it did the synagogue incident a year ago, calling the terrorists heroes.