A Canadian citizen was shot dead in a stabbing attempt in the southern Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara near the border with the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media, Anadolu Agency reports.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN said the suspect pulled out a knife and tried to stab Israeli soldiers and security personnel at the entrance to the town before being “neutralised” by Israeli forces.

Haaretz newspaper said the suspect was killed by Israeli forces.

Israeli police said no injuries were reported in the attack.

Initial media reports said the suspect was an American citizen before he was identified as a Canadian.

According to Israeli Channel 12, the suspect had arrived in Israel as a tourist and rented a car for two weeks. He had left Ashdod in southern Israel in the morning before reaching Netiv HaAsara.