On Sunday, June 7, 2026, a shooting attack in central Israel resulted in the death of 55-year-old reservist Master Sergeant Haim Kalomiti and left five others wounded. Israeli police neutralized the suspect, identified as a Palestinian citizen of Israel from Tayibe, following a series of shootings across multiple locations near the town of Kochav Yair.
How did the security incident unfold?
The attack began around 10:30 am local time at a gas station near Kochav Yair, according to the rescue service Magen David Adom. Reports indicate the gunman targeted passersby at that location before moving to additional sites, including Tsur Natan and Tzur Yitzhak. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Master Sergeant Haim Kalomiti, a reservist from Tzur Natan, was killed while attempting to intervene. Two of the five wounded individuals remained in serious condition following the incident.
What is the status of the investigation?
Israeli police forces, including special units and border guard soldiers, conducted a manhunt to secure the area and identify potential accomplices. While initial concerns suggested a coordinated effort by multiple gunmen, police later determined the perpetrator acted with one accomplice. Authorities arrested this second suspect on Sunday afternoon. According to police, the man resisted arrest by attempting to strike detectives with a glass bottle. The primary suspect was killed by police during the operation, and officials have since recovered the weapon used in the attack.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the deceased victim, Haim Kalomiti, as a reservist who served as a leader for a local emergency response unit. His actions were publicly lauded by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who stated that Kalomiti “courageously engaged the terrorist” to protect local residents.
How do reports compare regarding the attacker’s methods?
There is a notable distinction in the reporting regarding the mobility of the attacker. While official police and government statements have focused on the sequence of the shootings and the subsequent arrests, local media outlets—specifically Channel 12—reported that the assailant carried out the spree from inside a vehicle. This detail, if confirmed, explains how a single gunman was able to reach several distinct towns, including Kochav Yair, Tsur Natan, and Tsur Yitzhak, within a matter of minutes. Official accounts have yet to explicitly confirm this specific detail regarding the use of a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the victim of the shooting?
The victim was 55-year-old reservist Master Sergeant Haim Kalomiti from Tzur Natan, according to the Israel Defense Forces. - How many people were injured?
Magen David Adom reported that five people were wounded in the attacks, with at least two in serious condition. - What happened to the suspects?
Police killed the primary suspect during a search operation and later arrested a second individual suspected of being an accomplice.
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