Policeman kills knife attacker outside Israeli embassy in Serbia

A knife-wielding assailant breached the security of the Israeli embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, during the early hours of the morning. The lone attacker, suspected to be from the western city of Šabac and clad in black, made a dramatic entrance by knocking at the guardhouse door and lunging at an officer with two knives. The officer, identified only by the initials D.S., responded by discharging his service weapon, resulting in the assailant's death.

This incident marks the second attack on the Israeli embassy in Belgrade within a two-year period. In June 2024, a Serbian police officer was targeted by an assailant armed with a crossbow, resulting in a separate and alarming incident.

In light of these events, outgoing Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic has declared the country's security threat level to be at its highest, or "red." Dacic also announced an increased police presence at key locations to bolster security measures.

This latest attack occurred a day after Israel's national elections, with the results indicating a closely contested race between the opposition bloc and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp. Furthermore, Serbia's student-led movement recently overthrew the long-standing leader, Aleksandar Vucic, in an election held on Sunday. However, the caretaker government remains in power until a new administration is established.