Two Killed, Three Wounded in Hebron Area Shooting; Attackers Eliminated

Two people were killed and three were wounded in a shooting attack near Hebron on Friday morning. Hamas issued a statement congratulating the perpetrators. According to the IDF, the two attackers were killed by Home Front Command soldiers after a pursuit. A security source reported that the attackers arrived at a junction in a car with an Israeli license plate and opened fire for over 20 minutes using an M4 rifle and a handgun. The attackers, identified as Firas and Hamuda Al-Ja'aba, relatives from Hebron, were killed by IDF forces. The IDF subsequently raided their homes and blocked entrances and exits to Hebron and surrounding villages. The IDF's Central Command chief and the commander of the 98th Division arrived at the scene. The IDF is also examining the rapid arrival of an AFP press photographer who documented the prolonged exchange of fire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had ordered the IDF and security forces to prepare for a full closure of the West Bank, effective immediately. The Red Crescent reported a Palestinian was shot and is receiving medical treatment in the village of Dura, near Hebron, with IDF forces present at the scene.

During a situation assessment, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the attackers' vehicle, intended for a larger-scale attack. "The swift action of the soldiers prevented an even more severe attack and further harm to civilians and security forces," Zamir said. Army assessments indicate the attackers planned to drive onto Route 35, connecting Hebron to central Israel, but were stopped at a temporary IDF checkpoint at the Yehuda junction. Zamir also ordered additional forces to be deployed to the Central Command as needed. The police confirmed they collected evidence and findings from the scene. Magen David Adom CEO Eli Bin described the injuries as severe, noting that paramedics and military forces provided treatment. The IDF stated it is operating at the terrorists' homes in Hebron with the intention of demolishing them. Footage from the scene shows the attackers exiting a vehicle, taking cover behind a structure, and preparing to fire. Two of the wounded were evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in moderate condition, while a third, lightly wounded and fully conscious, was taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital with shrapnel injuries. A witness heard during the shooting described ongoing exchanges of fire, with difficulties in evacuating the wounded. A paramedic at the scene recounted entering with a bulletproof ambulance amidst ongoing gunfire to assist in rescuing the injured. This incident follows Zamir's announcement on Monday of increased IDF forces in the Central Command due to general regional tensions and concerns of violence related to upcoming elections. Zamir had also ordered a travel ban, effective until Tuesday, as part of election preparations, and increased senior commander presence in command centers. The IDF stated its mission is to ensure the elections proceed safely and on schedule, with the travel ban implemented due to concerns that the sensitive election period might encourage attacks against Israel, rather than a specific threat.