Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon (Likud) responded on Sunday night to the murder of Dafna Meir, a 39-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by an Arab terrorist at her home in Otniel in southern Judea.

“The murder today in Otniel teaches us once again that we are facing a cruel and ruthless enemy. Security forces, the IDF, the Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency) and Israeli police will catch the killer and any of his accomplices. We will not rest until we find the terrorist, wherever he may be,” said Ya’alon.

“The struggle against Palestinian terrorism requires determination with an iron fist, along with patience, perseverance and discretion, because we are faced with a complex challenge. Security forces are making every effort in this struggle, and we will overcome this wave of terrorism, as we overcame past attempts to harm the State of Israel and its citizens. “

Security forces are currently pursuing the terrorist, aided by a helicopter and drones, and residents of the town were asked to stay in their homes during the manhunt. The IDF has clarified that the terrorist apparently is no longer in the town.

Ya’alon further expressed his condolences, saying, “I would like to participate in mourning with Dafna Meir’s family over her blessed memory.”

Dafna Meir was a mother to six children, two of them foster children, and worked as a nurse. She will be buried on Monday morning, with the funeral procession to leave from Otniel at 9 a.m. towards Jerusalem, and to arrive at 11 a.m. at Har Hamenuhot Cemetery in the northwestern Givat Shaul neighborhood of the capital.