Two Soldiers Killed, Three Wounded in West Bank Shooting Attack; Perpetrators Eliminated

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others were wounded in a shooting attack near the Yehuda Junction in the West Bank on Friday. Israeli security forces engaged in a firefight with the two assailants, identified as 27-year-old Hamas operatives from Hebron, after a pursuit and eliminated them shortly thereafter. The wounded soldiers, all in light condition, were evacuated to hospitals. The attack occurred when the terrorists, armed with an M4 rifle and a pistol, opened fire on a checkpoint after realizing they could not proceed on Route 35. A 20-minute gun battle ensued before additional forces arrived and neutralized the attackers. The Chief of Staff stated that the soldiers' swift action prevented a more severe attack, noting that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the terrorists' vehicle, intended for a larger-scale operation. One soldier described the intense moments, recounting how a bullet hit his helmet and how he calmed a panicked comrade while returning fire. An MDA emergency medic described arriving at a difficult scene with ongoing gunfire, providing aid to the critically wounded. In response to the attack, the IDF has increased its alert level in the West Bank, anticipating copycat attacks and planning to inspect Palestinian vehicles. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Hebron, vowed that the IDF would enter the terrorists' home neighborhoods, evacuate residents, and demolish terror infrastructure, indicating readiness for a broad operation in the West Bank. Security forces are mapping the terrorists' homes for demolition. The IDF stated there was no specific warning for this attack but acknowledged preparations for potential attacks ahead of elections. The report also referenced a previous attack a month prior where the son of Israel's ambassador to the U.S. was injured in a ramming attack near the village of Beit El.