IDF on High Alert in West Bank Ahead of Sukkot Holiday

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has increased its readiness in the West Bank ahead of the Sukkot holiday, following a deadly shooting attack near Benjamin that claimed the life of Natanel Shkaron. Elite units, including Duvdevan, Maglan, and Egoz, have been deployed to the area, bringing the total number of battalions in the West Bank to a record 27. This heightened alert is expected to continue amid concerns of potential escalation with Iran and the Houthis in Yemen.

During Yom Kippur, the IDF conducted searches in the home of the terrorist, Qadri Samara, in the village of Biddu, near Jerusalem. A brigade operation in the Benjamin region led to the questioning of 90 suspects and the discovery of a hunting rifle. Additionally, Duvdevan forces operated in the village of Beit Ur al-Tahta, confiscating a lathe, two Carlo rifles, and other weaponry. In Qabatiya, northern Samaria, two terrorists planning an imminent attack were apprehended. Paratroopers reconnaissance soldiers also questioned suspects and arrested wanted individuals in northern Samaria, finding materials intended for explosives.

Shkaron, a father of six from the settlement of Ali Zahav, was shot and killed by Samara while visiting the Ein Ri'a spring near the settlement of Neve Tzuf with his teenage son. Samara, identified with Hamas, fired from a vehicle with Palestinian license plates before fleeing the scene. Investigations revealed Samara had acquired an M-16 rifle and conducted a reconnaissance of the site the day before the attack. He was later arrested at a Ramallah hospital by Duvdevan forces after bragging about the attack to his wife.

Shkaron was buried in Ali Zahav, with hundreds attending his funeral. His widow delivered an emotional eulogy, describing his deep involvement in his children's lives and his devotion to family. She recounted their wedding plans and how he had intended to go to the spring before preparing for the Yom Kippur meal.

Following the attack, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi held a situation assessment, ordering a lockdown, a continued manhunt for accomplices, and the sealing and demolition of the terrorist's home. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that no terrorist or their helpers would be immune and ordered intensified operations in the West Bank. Defense Minister Israel Katz extended condolences to the family and praised the forces for thwarting another attack at the Ganim checkpoint.