Two IDF Soldiers Killed in West Bank Shooting Attack; Perpetrators Eliminated

Two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, Staff Sergeant Ron Jonathan Reitman, 23, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, were killed Friday morning in a shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction on Route 35, near the Beit Kahil bridge in the Hebron area. Three other individuals were injured, one moderately and two lightly. The soldiers, both members of the "Ari" (775) battalion of the Home Front Command's Extraction Brigade, were on operational duty in the West Bank. Their families have been notified.

According to IDF assessments, the two assailants, identified with Hamas, emerged from Hebron with a large quantity of ammunition, intending to carry out a major attack. They planned to access Route 35, a key artery connecting Hebron to central Israel, but encountered a temporary checkpoint manned by Home Front Command forces. The attackers exited their vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers at close range, initiating a firefight that lasted over 20 minutes. The assailants were eventually eliminated by IDF forces, including the deputy commander of the "Ari" battalion and the company commander, who were dispatched to the scene. The "Ari" battalion is a new unit within the Home Front Command's Extraction Brigade, currently on its first operational deployment in the West Bank.

Following the attack, the IDF deployed significant forces, including the Duvdevan unit and aerial assets, and initiated extensive searches in the area. A lockdown was imposed on several villages in the region, including Hebron and Halhul, with additional roadblocks established. The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, stated that a large amount of ammunition was found in the attackers' vehicle, intended for a more extensive attack. He also approved the reinforcement of forces in the Central Command and increased intelligence efforts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate lockdown on Hebron and a full closure of the West Bank, stating, "We will pursue Hamas terrorists and their patrons everywhere and at any time. You have no hiding place."

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority and the elimination of terror infrastructure, while Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich ordered the demolition of structures built without permits near the attack site. President Isaac Herzog spoke with the head of the Hebron Hills Council, expressing condolences and commending the soldiers' actions. The IDF is continuing searches to rule out the involvement of additional terrorists and is investigating the incident to draw lessons for the future.