Serbian police shot and killed a knife-wielding assailant outside the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The attacker, a minor with suspected ties to the Islamic State, wounded a Gendarmerie officer before police neutralized him in self-defense.
Serbia has raised its national terrorism threat level to red alert, the highest possible setting. This mandate requires tighter security checks and more police at crowded public spaces and sensitive infrastructure across the country.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic announced the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack
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Assailant Attacks Embassy Security Booth
A person dressed in black clothes opened the door to the security booth guarding the embassy around 12:15 a.m. local time, according to Serbian prosecutors.
The attacker used two knives. He threw one at the officer, identified by the initials D.S., which hit the officer in the left cheek. The office of the Higher Public Prosecutor in Belgrade confirmed these events.
This means tighter security checks and an increased police presence at sensitive sites, including infrastructure facilities and places where large crowds gather.
Ivica Dacic, Interior Minister
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the attempted terrorist attack. No embassy personnel were injured because the mission was closed at the time. A spokesperson for the ministry in Jerusalem stated that relevant authorities are investigating.
Police Trace ISIS Links to Sabac
Authorities believe the attacker came from Sabac, a town in western Serbia.
The assailant maintained a black flag and symbols of the terrorist group on his Instagram account. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said this evidence of radicalization was found on the suspect’s social media.
Embassy Faces Second Attack in Two Years
In June 2024, an attacker with a crossbow targeted a police guard at the same location. That assailant wounded the officer before police shot and killed him.
Bar-Ilan noted this was the second such incident in two years. He called for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Elections Shake Belgrade and Jerusalem
A youth-led movement in Serbia recently defeated former President Aleksandar Vucic in an early parliamentary election held on Sunday. This attack follows that vote by only a few days.
Police Director Gen. Dragan Vasiljevic visited the wounded officer on Wednesday. The officer is in good condition and is expected to be discharged from the hospital later Wednesday.