Israel: Palestinian who tried to stab soldiers shot dead

JERUSALEM – The Israeli military says it has shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab soldiers at a West Bank checkpoint.

The military says the man came from the direction of Nablus Sunday and was running toward troops with a knife in his hand when he was gunned down.

Since mid-September, Palestinians have carried out dozens of stabbings, shootings and attacks using cars against civilians and security forces, killing 34 Israelis and two visiting Americans.

During the same period, about 200 Palestinians have been killed. Most of the Palestinians have been identified by Israel as attackers while the rest were killed in clashes.

Israel says the violence is fueled by a Palestinian campaign of lies and incitement. Palestinians say it stems from frustration at nearly five decades of Israeli occupation.