Five Wounded in Terror Attack Near Hebron; Two Terrorists Eliminated

Five people were injured in a terror attack near the Yehuda Junction on Highway 35, southeast of Hebron, on Friday morning, October 23. Two of the wounded are in serious condition, one in moderate, and two in light condition, according to emergency medical services. IDF soldiers eliminated two terrorists who attempted to flee after the attack, which eyewitnesses said lasted for 20 minutes. Video footage showed paramedics unable to reach the wounded due to heavy gunfire. "The terrorist is constantly shooting!" a paramedic identified as Ofer Ohana can be heard saying in the video. "The exchange of fire between the terrorist and our forces continues, we cannot evacuate the wounded! The exchange of fire has been going on for over 20 minutes!"

Eyewitnesses reported that IDF soldiers who were nearby engaged the terrorists, who were armed with M16 automatic rifles and pistols. The attackers initially retreated towards Arab villages but were eliminated after a short pursuit. The wounded were transported to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals in Jerusalem. Following the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held an operational assessment at the scene. He stated that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the vehicle used by the terrorists. Zamir credited the "Ari" unit, subordinate to the Home Front Command, with preventing a more severe attack due to their swift actions. The Chief of Staff also approved a blockade of Hebron and surrounding villages until further notice. The IDF had previously raised its alert level twice in the past month, once before October 7 and again at the end of the previous week due to concerns of escalation ahead of elections.