Israeli Man Killed in West Bank Shooting Attack on Eve of Yom Kippur

An Israeli man was killed in a shooting attack carried out by a lone gunman near the settlement of Neve Tzuf in the Benjamin region on Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur. The victim, described as a man in his 30s, was critically wounded by gunfire from a passing vehicle and later died at Beilinson Hospital. Emergency medical services attempted to save his life en route to the hospital, administering CPR and blood products.

Following the attack, Israeli security forces, including the IDF's Benjamin Brigade, the Duvdevan unit, additional reinforcement companies, and the Israel Police, launched an extensive manhunt for the assailant. The attacker reportedly exited his vehicle, armed with an M16 rifle, and fled on foot into the surrounding area. Roadblocks have been established throughout the region, and forces are conducting ground and drone searches for the suspect. Air Force assets have also been deployed.

Moshe Finchi, commander of the Judea and Samaria police district, and Avi Cohen, commander of the Shomron region, were dispatched to the scene. The head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, Yisrael Gantz, stated that the attack occurred as residents were visiting a nearby spring ahead of the holiday. He vowed that the area would remain open to visitors during the upcoming Sukkot holiday, asserting that "no one will drive us away from here."