Israeli man killed in shooting attack in Tel Aviv

An Israeli man was killed in a shooting attack in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening.

He was later identified as 42-year-old Chen Amir, who was married and the father of three children.

A terrorist opened fire on two security guards working for the Tel Aviv municipality when they stopped him after arousing their suspicion, Israel's Kan news outlet reported.

One of the guards was hit and critically wounded, while his colleague shot and eliminated the terrorist.

The injured man was treated by Magen David Adom paramedics before being evacuated to Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital in critical condition.

He died in the hospital shortly after.

Israel Police Chief Kobi Shabtai was at the scene of the attack and said the terrorist was reportedly a resident of the Jenin area in the West Bank and had been carrying a letter stating his desire to be a martyr.

The police searched the site where the attack took place to look for the possibility of accomplices.

Saturday evening's attack came just hours ahead of the start of the weekly demonstrations against the government's judicial reform, with the main protest to be held in Tel Aviv.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement praising the security guards' quick reaction to the shooting.

"I commend the personnel of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality security patrol for their alertness and for engaging, thereby thwarting a much more serious attack. Our security forces will settle accounts with everyone who seeks to attack us," Netanyahu said.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant joined Netanyahu's praise of the security personnel, saying that "Due to their awareness and determination they neutralized the terrorist and prevented a much worse attack... We will bring justice to the terrorists and their senders."

The organizers of the weekly anti-government protests also responded to the incident.

"We pray for the wounded in the attack. We are in close contact and in full cooperation with the Israel Police, the demonstration against the coup d'état will take place as usual, in a safe manner and in full coordination with the Israel Police." 

A police spokesperson said the protests would continue as usual, adding, "We have 150 protest centers [across the country], but the public must be vigilant and contact the police if they come across a suspicious person."