IDF Chief of Staff Details Plot Foiled by 20-Minute Gun Battle

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held an urgent situation assessment Friday with senior security officials following a severe shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction. The assessment included the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blout, the head of operations, the head of intelligence, and other commanders. Zamir revealed alarming details about the terrorists' plan, stating that the "rapid action of the fighters prevented an even more severe attack and further harm to civilians and security forces." He noted that a large quantity of ammunition, intended for a broader attack, was found in the terrorists' vehicle.

According to assessments presented at the meeting, the two terrorists departed from Hebron with substantial ammunition in their vehicle, aiming for a significant attack. They were armed with an M4 assault rifle and a pistol, and their vehicle contained additional ammunition. The terrorists had planned to drive onto Route 35, connecting Hebron to central Israel, but were stopped at a temporary IDF checkpoint manned by Home Front Command forces near Yehuda Junction.

The exchange of fire with the terrorists, who emerged from their vehicle to attack the soldiers at the checkpoint, lasted over 20 minutes. Numerous security forces converged on the scene to neutralize the attackers. The "Ha'ari" battalion, a new Home Front Command unit on its first deployment in the West Bank, played a role in neutralizing the terrorists, with its deputy commander and company commander leading the effort after receiving the report.

Five people were injured in the attack, two critically. MDA paramedics, along with IDF medical personnel, evacuated the wounded to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals. In addition to the two critically injured, one person sustained moderate injuries, and two were lightly wounded.

Following the assessment, the Chief of Staff approved preparations for a full closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, with the Commander of the Central Command ordering the closure extended to the Halhul area and the mapping of terrorists' homes. IDF and Border Police forces entered Hebron for offensive operations, targeting the homes of the terrorists and other suspects. Zamir ordered increased efforts for further arrests and strengthened security deployments in the area. Over the past week, security forces have conducted dozens of counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank, arresting over 70 wanted individuals, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives, and confiscating numerous weapons and explosives.