Israel launches manhunt after attack kills three

Israeli forces launched a manhunt Friday for attackers who killed three people in the central city of Elad as the country marked the anniversary of its founding, in the latest incident of deadly violence.

The search -- backed by a large deployment of security personnel, helicopters, drones and roadblocks -- was seeking what police described as "one or two terrorists", who remained at large hours after the attack.

No details on the alleged assailants had emerged, but Defence Minister Benny Gantz announced measures to stop the attackers from "escaping and travelling" to the occupied West Bank, comments that pointed to possible Palestinian suspects.

The Magen David Adom emergency response service, which confirmed the deaths, said four others were wounded after the incident, which follows a series of fatal attacks committed by Palestinians and Israeli Arabs in recent weeks.

"We will get our hands on the terrorists... and ensure they pay the price," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement.

Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said "the joy of independence day had been interrupted in an instant", condemning the "murderous attack in Elad".

Gantz announced that a closure of the West Bank -- in place for the Israeli independence day -- would remain in force through Sunday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted that the United States "vehemently condemn(s) the terrorist attack in Israel today".

"Our hearts are with the victims and the loved ones of those killed. May the memories of those who passed be a blessing," he added.

Prior to Thursday's incident, a string of attacks since March 22 had killed 15 people, including an Arab-Israeli police officer and two Ukrainians, in separate attacks...

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