The ministry said that the incident resulted in the injury of an Israeli guard, while the Palestinian was killed after soldiers shot him at the scene of the accident.
Israeli media reported that the 16-year-old attacker was killed, while a Defense Ministry official refused to give further details.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz praised the security forces’ response, and wished a speedy recovery for the guard, who was taken to a hospital for treatment, the Associated Press reported.
The attack came two days after a West Bank Palestinian stabbed an Israeli outside the Old City of Jerusalem, and attempted to stab a Border Police officer before shooting and killing him.
A video clip taken by a bystander showed the police continuing to shoot the attacker after he fell to the ground and paramedics prevented them from approaching him.
After the video was published, the Israeli Ministry of Justice announced that it had summoned the two policemen involved in Saturday’s shooting for questioning, before releasing them without conditions.
Israeli officials say forces must make split-second decisions in dangerous situations, and that all such incidents are under investigation.
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