JERUSALEM (AP) — A Palestinian purposely rammed his vehicle into a group of Israeli soldiers in the West Bank on Friday, the military said, and Israeli media reported two of the soldiers were killed and two others wounded.
The military said in a statement that the Palestinian intentionally "ran over" soldiers on duty securing routes near the settlement of Mevo Dotan close to the Palestinian city of Jenin. It said the driver was injured and hospitalized for treatment. It would not comment on the media reports of Israeli fatalities.
Israel's Shin Bet security service said the attacker had spent time in prison for security offenses and was freed last year.
Media showed footage of a smashed and mangled white car.
Gaza's rulers, the Islamic militant group Hamas, issued a statement praising the "operation" but did not take responsibility.
The incident came as Palestinians protested across the West Bank and the Gaza border marking 100 days since U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Dozens sustained light to moderate injuries in clashes with Israeli forces on Friday.
The Palestinians seek east Jerusalem as their future capital and view Trump's decision as siding with Israel on one of the conflict's thorniest issues. Palestinian officials say the move disqualifies Washington from its traditional role as Mideast peace broker.
Palestinians have held regular protests since Trump's Dec. 6 declaration, often clashing with Israeli forces.
