Israeli army discovers body of missing teenager in West Bank

The Israeli army announced on Saturday the discovery of the body of a missing Israeli teenager, saying he was killed in a "terrorist attack," reported Xinhua.

Army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on his X account that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet security service, and police found the body of 14-year-old Benjamin Ahimeir. Israeli media reported that Ahimeir had left a farm within the settler outpost of "Malachei Shalom" early on Friday and had not been seen since.

Police said that he had been grazing sheep, and the sheep returned to the farm without him.

Investigation into the incident is still underway, Adraee said, adding the IDF was pursuing the suspects.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the "heinous murder of Benjamin Ahimeir is a serious crime."

As of now, no Palestinian party has claimed responsibility for the incident.

The incident comes amid escalating tension in the West Bank, marked by armed confrontations between Israeli troops and Palestinians in cities, villages, and camps since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on October 7 last year.