Two IDF Soldiers Killed, Three Wounded in Hebron Area Shooting Attack

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others lightly wounded in a shooting attack near the Yehuda Junction close to Hebron on Friday morning. The fatalities were identified as Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, a squad commander, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, a fighter. Both served in the "Ari" battalion of the Home Front Command's rescue brigade. The three wounded soldiers were evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek hospitals in Jerusalem with light injuries.

The two assailants, identified as relatives from the Ju'aba family in Hebron, affiliated with Hamas, were killed by the deputy commander of the "Ari" battalion and the company commander. Initial investigations suggest the attackers, both around 27 years old, were traveling in a vehicle with a yellow license plate and encountered a routine military checkpoint. They exited their vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers, initiating a firefight that lasted approximately 20 minutes. A large amount of ammunition was found in the attackers' vehicle, along with a long rifle and a pistol.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an immediate closure on Hebron and a full closure on the entire West Bank, effective immediately. He praised the soldiers' actions in preventing a larger attack and wished the wounded a speedy recovery. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces are operating with increased strength to thwart terrorism and conduct widespread arrests, vowing to pursue Hamas terrorists and their sponsors.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment and confirmed that the rapid response of the soldiers prevented a more severe attack. He also approved preparations for a full closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, along with increased arrest efforts and intelligence reinforcement in the area. The military is also examining the possibility of external direction for the attack, noting that there was no precise prior warning.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir reiterated his call to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, which he described as a "terror authority." Local leaders from Kiryat Arba-Hebron and the Hebron Regional Council emphasized the need for increased settlement activity as a response to terrorism and called for decisive offensive operations against terrorist strongholds, the collection of weapons, and a full return of Israeli control to the area.