Two Dead, Three Wounded in Hebron Area Shooting; Both Terrorists Killed

Two people were killed and three were injured Friday morning in a shooting attack near Hebron. Hamas praised the attack. According to the IDF, the two assailants were killed by Home Front Command soldiers after a pursuit. Security sources stated the terrorists arrived in a car with an Israeli license plate at a junction, where they opened fire for over 20 minutes with an M4 rifle and a pistol. 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 several surrounding villages. Hebron is the largest Palestinian city in the West Bank, with an estimated population of 250,000 in 2025.

Commander of the Central Command 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 instructed 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, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the terrorists' vehicle, intended for a larger-scale attack. "The swift action of the soldiers prevented an even more severe attack and further casualties among civilians and security forces," Zamir said. The IDF estimates the terrorists 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.

Magen David Adom CEO Eyal Bin described the injuries as severe, noting that the wounded were treated by rescue forces and military personnel. The IDF stated it is operating at the terrorists' homes in Hebron with the aim of demolishing them. Video footage from the scene shows the attackers exiting a vehicle, taking cover, and preparing to fire. Two of the wounded were evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center with moderate injuries, while a third, lightly injured and conscious, was taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital with shrapnel wounds. A witness heard during the shooting stated, "Exchange of fire between the terrorist and our forces continues, we still can't get the wounded out." The shooting lasted over 20 minutes. An MDA paramedic at the scene described entering with a bulletproof ambulance to assist in evacuating the wounded while the shooting was still ongoing.

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 surrounding upcoming elections. Zamir had also ordered a travel ban, in effect from Thursday to Tuesday, as part of election preparations. He also instructed senior commanders to increase their presence in situation rooms and command centers, emphasizing the IDF's mission to ensure secure and timely elections.