Two Killed, Three Wounded in West Bank Shooting Attack Near Hebron; Attackers Neutralized

Two people were killed and three others were wounded in a shooting attack Friday morning near Hebron. Two of the injured are in moderate condition, and one is in light condition. The attackers arrived in a vehicle with a yellow license plate, opened fire with a pistol and an M16 rifle at people at the Glass Junction on Route 35, and then attempted to flee. The intense gunfire continued for over 20 minutes, according to an eyewitness. Soldiers from the Ari Battalion of the Commando and Training Brigade, who were deployed in the area as part of a defense mission, returned fire and neutralized both attackers. Numerous forces are currently operating at the scene, under the command of the commander of the Judea Brigade, with the commander of the Central Command and the commander of Division 98 also present. Several checkpoints have been established, and a closure has been imposed on several villages in the area.

Paramedics and EMTs from Magen David Adom, along with IDF medical forces, provided treatment to the wounded and evacuated them to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals. Shaare Zedek Medical Center reported that two patients in moderate, conscious, and stable condition arrived at their trauma unit. Hadassah reported one lightly injured patient evacuated to their trauma unit. An eyewitness, identified as Ofer Ohana, a well-known medical professional in the area, documented the moments of the attack, stating, "The terrorist is shooting all the time. Exchange of fire continues between the terrorist and our forces, they can't get the wounded out! There's been active shooting for over 20 minutes!"

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir arrived at the scene and held a situation assessment with senior commanders. He was briefed that the attackers were neutralized by the deputy commander of the Ari Battalion and a company commander. Zamir approved a full closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, increased efforts for arrests, and enhanced intelligence gathering. He also ordered preparations for additional forces to be deployed to the Central Command as needed. Zamir stated that the terrorists' vehicle contained a large amount of ammunition intended for a more extensive attack, and the soldiers' swift action prevented a more severe incident. The Defense Minister, Israel Katz, had previously warned of intentions by hostile elements to attack Israel around the election period to influence the results. The IDF has raised its alert level twice recently and implemented a leave ban for all army units starting Thursday to ensure election security.