7-year-old child stabbed to death, another injured in Beit Shemesh; neighbor arrested

A 7-year-old boy was killed and a 4-year-old cousin was injured in a stabbing attack in the city of Beit Shemesh on Monday. According to The Times of Israel, the children were attacked while their parents were away from home. The father of one of the boys discovered them in an inflatable swimming pool upon his return at approximately 4:40 p.m. Both children were rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, where the 7-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival. The 4-year-old underwent surgery and his condition was later upgraded from serious to moderate. Israeli police confirmed the arrest of a neighbor in his 20s in connection with the incident. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and are investigating potential motives, including the suspect's mental health or a possible inter-family dispute. Reports indicate that the parents had left the children in the care of a 15-year-old relative while they were out purchasing supplies for a birthday party.