Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Judea Junction Terror Attack

Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba

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Two Israeli soldiers, Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, were killed in a terror attack at the Judea Junction on October 23, 2026. Three other soldiers were lightly wounded. The two attackers, believed to be Hamas operatives from Hebron, were neutralized after a firefight. The IDF prevented a larger attack on civilians but sustained casualties. In response, a closure was placed on Hebron and increased security measures were implemented across Judea and Samaria, with concerns of further attacks ahead of elections.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem were killed in a terror attack at Judea Junction.
Two attackers, believed to be Hamas operatives from Hebron, were neutralized by Israeli forces.
Three additional soldiers sustained light injuries during the attack.
The IDF prevented a larger attack on civilians but paid a heavy price.
A closure was imposed on Hebron and security measures were increased across Judea and Samaria.
Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to pursue terrorists and increase settlement construction.

Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Judea Junction Terror Attack — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, both from the Ari Battalion, were killed in a terror attack at the Judea Junction on October 23, 2026. Three additional soldiers sustained light injuries. The two assailants, believed to be affiliated with a Hamas terror cell in Hebron, were neutralized by Israeli forces. The attack occurred near the Judea Brigade area, prompting a swift response from the IDF, which initiated a pursuit and established roadblocks.

Initial investigations suggest the attackers, armed with a rifle, pistol, and extensive ammunition, originated from Hebron with the intent to reach Highway 35 and harm civilians. When their access to the highway was blocked by IDF forces, they opened fire on a checkpoint. The ensuing 20-minute firefight involved additional forces and senior commanders until the terrorists were eliminated. A senior IDF officer stated that the forces prevented a much larger attack on civilians but paid a heavy price.

In response to the attack, a full closure was imposed on Hebron, and checkpoints and roadblocks were increased throughout Judea and Samaria. The IDF is preparing for further arrests and counter-terrorism operations, anticipating potential copycat attacks, especially with elections approaching. While no specific warning was received, forces were on alert for possible attacks during this sensitive period. The IDF has deployed eight additional battalions to various sectors and is reinforcing security measures from Jenin to Hebron and within Israel proper. Despite the neutralization of the attackers, the security threat remains, with concerns of escalation and attacks due to personnel shortages and ongoing operational strain.

Following the incident, IDF and Border Police forces conducted offensive operations in Hebron, targeting the homes of the attackers and other suspects. Two individuals wounded in the attack were treated at Shaare Zedek Medical Center with moderate injuries, while another was treated at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center with light injuries. Police and forensic teams are investigating the scene. Highway 35 remains closed in both directions between the Okefim Junction and Telem.

Political reactions included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising the soldiers' actions and ordering a full closure on Hebron and a lockdown on Judea and Samaria, vowing to pursue Hamas terrorists. Minister of National Security Ben-Gvir called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, disarmament, and the elimination of terror infrastructure, stating that the soldiers' blood is not forfeit. The funeral for Ron Yonatan Reitman is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2026, in Ashkelon, with the city's municipality and youth council planning to escort him with Israeli flags. Ashkelon's mayor, Tomer Glam, eulogized Reitman, a 23-year-old resident and combat soldier. The municipality of Hod Hasharon mourned Yuval Shai Suilem, a 20-year-old combat soldier and resident, with the mayor and community expressing deep sorrow to his parents, Sivan and Amnon, and his siblings.