Two Suspects Spotted in Beit Aryeh, Hundreds of Families Told to Stay Indoors as Searches Continue

Residents of Beit Aryeh in the West Bank have been ordered to remain in their homes for six hours after two suspects were identified and security forces launched a sweeping search. At 4:29 a.m., alerts were activated in the settlement over fears of an attempted terrorist infiltration, and hundreds of families were told to move into protected rooms, lock their doors and close their windows.

The incident began in the middle of the night when a resident saw two figures and alerted the settlement’s rapid response team. Israel Defense Forces units were then called in and have been searching the area for hours. Security crews found tracks near the fence indicating a breach through the perimeter barrier, as well as security camera footage showing the suspects, though officials say they may have managed to escape.

Security officials currently assess the motive as criminal, saying the two were likely thieves rather than militants. Even so, they decided to intensify the search and inspect every home and yard to ensure neither suspect is still inside the settlement. No arrests have been made so far, and the search is ongoing.