The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have disclosed that the soldier killed in the recent vehicular attack at the Maccabim checkpoint was Sergeant Maxim Molchanov, a 20-year-old who immigrated from Ukraine. Molchanov resided in Herzliya and served in the 282nd Fire Brigade. His family has been informed of his tragic passing.

Molchanov was killed when Abd Razak Faiz, a 41-year-old Palestinian from the village of Deir Ammar near Nelin, launched a vehicular attack at the Maccabim checkpoint located on Route 443. Faiz gained access to the checkpoint using a vehicle with Israeli license plates after crossing the separation fence on foot earlier that day. He utilized a work permit that he possessed to make his way to the checkpoint, where he plowed into the soldiers. Faiz was subsequently shot and killed on the spot.

20-year-old IDF Corporal Maxim Molchanov (an emigrant from Kharkov) died today as a result of an attack on the Makkabim checkpoint, where an unknown person rammed a group of military men in a truck. Three more soldiers were wounded.

new_militarycolumnist pic.twitter.com/kcBz4Th3ck

— dana (@dana916) August 31, 2023

In addition to Molchanov's death, the assault also resulted in the injury of three other soldiers. According to the IDF spokesperson, two were severely injured, while one sustained mild injuries. "A drive-by attack near the Maccabim checkpoint resulted in three IDF soldiers being injured. The terrorist, who drove a truck, proceeded toward the Hashmonaim crossing, where he was neutralized by Ministry of Defense security guards," stated the spokesperson. The assailant was already known to Israeli security agencies and had been in possession of a work permit.

Daniel Shamhioff, a medic affiliated with the Rescue Union, recounted the immediate aftermath of the attack. "Bystanders reported that a commercial vehicle had struck three young men before fleeing the scene. We arrived with a Hatzalah Union ambulance team and a volunteer doctor to administer immediate medical attention. Two soldiers were in critical and severe conditions, while another sustained mild injuries. The latter was transported to the Shamir-Assaf Harofeh Medical Center," Shamhioff said.

⚠️ En horas de la mañana de ayer en un ataque del terrorismo islámico por embestida de camion.,

murió el Sargento Maxim Molchanov, emigrado de Ucrania,

5 soldados mas fueron heridos de distinta gravedad,

Hubo ola de ataques en diversos lados de Israel alentados por Irán. pic.twitter.com/TvvBWSKTgA

— Caleb_MK4 (@Caleb__MK4) September 1, 2023

Following the deadly incident, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Minister Gallant expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a full recovery for the wounded soldiers. "This was an attack with significant repercussions. I commend the swift and decisive actions of our security forces, which led to the neutralization of the terrorist," Gallant concluded.

This incident sheds light on the ever-present dangers faced by IDF soldiers and underscores the volatility of the security situation in the region. As investigations continue, the Israeli defense establishment is likely to review its security protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.