In a shocking incident that shattered the calm of Tel Aviv’s bustling Nachalat Binyamin Street, a knife-wielding terrorist attacked multiple individuals last night, leaving at least four people injured. The attacker, identified as 29-year-old Abdelaziz Kaddi, a Moroccan citizen with a U.S. residency permit, was neutralized by security forces at the scene. This heinous act has sparked outrage and raised critical questions about Israel’s border security protocols.
The Attack
The attack unfolded on Nachalat Binyamin, a central street known for its vibrant atmosphere and market stalls. According to Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services, the victims included two young men, aged 24 and 28, who sustained moderate injuries to their torsos, a 59-year-old man in mild condition, and another 24-year-old man also in mild condition. All were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Terror attack in central Tel Aviv. Several people stabbed. The terrorist was neutralized.
— David Collier (@mishtal) January 21, 2025
48 hours into the ceasefire.
This is Israel's 'reward' for stopping to hunt the terrorists. The terrorists come and hunt them.
They want all the Jews dead. What don't you understand? pic.twitter.com/h95rOcGkaY
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and terror. “We heard gunfire. People were dropping to the ground while glass was being shattered everywhere. A fun evening turned into chaos in an instant,” said Michal, who was dining at a restaurant on Nachalat Binyamin.
Arnat, another witness, described the horrifying moments: “We heard gunfire and saw people running. We ran to hide in the restroom. After another round of shots, we quickly moved to a nearby shelter as the sound of sirens filled the streets.”
The Perpetrator
The terrorist, Abdelaziz Kaddi, reportedly arrived in Israel three days ago on a tourist visa. Security at Ben Gurion Airport initially detained Kaddi due to several suspicious factors—he was traveling alone, lacked a concrete itinerary, and failed to provide a valid hotel address. Despite these red flags, Kaddi was allowed entry after an interrogation by the Shin Bet security agency concluded there were no grounds to deny him entry.
Tonight’s terror attack in Tel Aviv, was carried out by an American permanent resident, who appears to have been brainwashed by fake news on Al Jazeera.
— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) January 21, 2025
There is a vicious propaganda war being fought against us, which is radicalizing people in the West and costing real lives. https://t.co/R0NzJFCjon
An unverified image of Kaddi’s U.S. residency permit surfaced on social media, sparking further outrage. In recent weeks, Kaddi’s Facebook account had featured posts addressing the situation in Gaza, raising questions about his motives and possible connections to extremist groups. Hamas has since praised the attack, though they have not officially claimed responsibility.
Security Failures Under Scrutiny
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel expressed deep regret over the decision to permit Kaddi’s entry. “Immigration officials identified Kaddi as a potential threat, yet he was allowed into the country. This is an unacceptable lapse in our security protocols,” said Arbel, who has ordered an investigation into the incident. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar confirmed the agency is probing how Kaddi managed to bypass tighter security measures.
The man who stabbed 4 in Tel Aviv was an American Permanent Resident. He arrived in Israel 3 days ago.
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) January 21, 2025
Police are looking for a motive.
Here’s his ID.
Any ideas as to what his motive was?
🤔 pic.twitter.com/BOE55goSvu
The U.S. State Department issued a statement acknowledging reports of Kaddi’s U.S. residency and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. “We are aware of the reports and extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this horrific attack,” the statement read.
Broader Context
This attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region. On the same day, Israeli forces launched a large-scale military operation against Palestinian terrorist organizations in Jenin, Northern Samaria, following a temporary ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. The escalating violence has raised concerns among residents, with Tel Aviv’s Police Commissioner Daniel Levi personally visiting the scene to reassure the public of heightened security measures.
Last October, two Palestinian terrorists linked to Hamas carried out a deadly attack in Tel Aviv, killing seven people and injuring 17. These incidents, though rare, underscore the city’s vulnerability to terrorist acts despite robust security efforts.
Terror In Israel
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) January 21, 2025
Video of the stabbing attack in Israel by an American Resident Kadi Abdelaziz shows the reaction of diners along Tel Aviv’s popular Nahlat Binyamin area. pic.twitter.com/eLDUmwPndv
Moving Forward
In response to the attack, Israel Police announced a “wide deployment” of officers in central Tel Aviv to bolster security and prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, authorities are conducting a thorough review of current immigration and security protocols, with particular focus on the decision-making processes at Ben Gurion Airport.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Tel Aviv remain resilient. However, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the ever-present threats facing Israel and the critical need for unwavering vigilance in safeguarding its citizens.
