Israeli soldier accidentally killed in attempt to thwart stabbing attack

Israeli troops accidentally shot and killed a fellow soldier as they tried to thwart a Palestinian stabbing attack at a busy West Bank junction, the military said.

The army said the assailant attempted to stab the soldier at the Gush Etzion junction, a spot near Jerusalem that has experienced numerous attacks in recent months.

It said nearby soldiers opened fire, hitting the soldier and the alleged attacker.

The soldier, identified as Captain Eliav Gelman, later died of his wounds, while the assailant was wounded and taken to a hospital.

The incident was the latest in a wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians that erupted last year.