Two IDF Soldiers Killed Foiling Major Terror Attack Near Hebron

Two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, 20, were killed in a firefight with two terrorists near the Yehuda Junction, close to Hebron, on Friday. The IDF estimates that the soldiers were part of a force that prevented a large-scale attack planned against Israeli civilians.

According to initial investigations, the two terrorists were on their way to carry out an attack when they encountered an IDF force that had set up a roadblock. A prolonged exchange of fire ensued, during which Reitman and Suilem were killed, and three other soldiers were wounded, two moderately and one lightly. The motive for the attack is being investigated as nationalistic.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the scene and stated that the soldiers' actions prevented a much more severe attack. "The result of the encounter with the terrorist cell is painful, but the initial investigation shows that as a result of the actions of the Ari Brigade's force, a serious attack against Israeli civilians was prevented," Zamir said. He added that the IDF would pursue all those involved and noted increased security readiness in Judea and Samaria due to fears of escalation.

Major General Avi Bluth, Commander of the Central Command, echoed Zamir's remarks, stating, "A severe attack against Israeli citizens was prevented this morning, thanks to the bravery of IDF soldiers. Unfortunately, we paid a heavy price in the encounter, and two fighters fell." He emphasized that the IDF acts as a "bulletproof vest" for Israeli citizens and announced significant counter-terrorism operations alongside a lockdown on Hebron and Halhul.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security assessment and ordered an immediate lockdown on Hebron, with preparations for a full closure of Judea and Samaria. The IDF is continuing to investigate the incident, including the terrorists' original target and whether they were part of a larger terror infrastructure. There is also an ongoing investigation into the possibility that the terrorists used a vehicle with Israeli license plates and whether a foreign photographer had prior knowledge of the attack.