Suspected Terrorist Shot Dead After Knife Attack at Israeli Embassy in Serbia

Israeli embassy attack, USA News (Belgrade): A suspected Islamic terrorist wounded a police officer guarding the Israeli embassy in Belgrade before the officer shot the assailant dead, according to official statements. An investigation revealed that a black-clad, unidentified individual opened the door of a guard house located in front of the embassy. Armed with two knives, the suspect rushed at the police officer, who was identified only by the initials D.S.

This incident marks the second such attack at the Israeli embassy in the Serbian capital within a two-year period. In June 2024, a previous assailant shot a Serbian police officer in the neck using a crossbow.

Serbia’s outgoing interior minister, Ivica Dačić, provided details of the confrontation. He stated that a minor of undetermined identity, reasonably suspected to be from the western city of Šabac, rushed toward a Gendarmerie officer while shouting and attacking with two knives. The unidentified person threw one knife toward D.S., striking him in the left cheek. In response, D.S. drew his service weapon and fired several shots at the attacker, killing him on the spot.

Minister Dačić subsequently announced that Serbia had raised its security threat level to red, the highest possible tier, and confirmed that police presence would be increased at key locations throughout Belgrade. The attack occurred one day after Israeli citizens participated in elections, with projected results showing the opposition bloc neck and neck with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp.

Political developments in Serbia have also seen significant shifts recently, with a student-led movement having toppled longtime leader Aleksandar Vučić. The outgoing administration remains in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is established. Although lacking a single figurehead, the student movement gained broad support across Serbia before selecting 250 representatives, including academics, lawyers, doctors, actors, farmers, and musicians, for the election.

Israeli diplomatic missions across Europe and globally have faced multiple security incidents amid the ongoing war with Gaza. Previous attacks and security breaches have targeted Israeli embassies and consulates in countries including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Romania, Mexico, and China.