IDF Chief of Staff Reveals Plot Foiled by 20-Minute Firefight
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir revealed that a severe shooting attack at Yehuda Junction was thwarted by a 20-minute firefight, preventing a larger-scale terrorist plot. The terrorists, from Hebron, were carrying extensive ammunition and weapons. Five people were injured in the attack, two critically. In response, a full closure was imposed on Hebron and surrounding areas, and security forces are conducting raids and arrests.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF thwarted a major terrorist attack with a 20-minute firefight at Yehuda Junction.
- Terrorists from Hebron carried a large cache of ammunition for a widespread attack.
- Five people were injured in the attack, two critically.
- IDF imposed a full closure on Hebron and surrounding villages.
- Security forces arrested over 70 wanted individuals in the West Bank this week.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held an urgent security assessment Friday following a severe shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction. The assessment included the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, and heads of operations and intelligence. Zamir revealed that the terrorists were carrying a large quantity of ammunition intended for a much larger-scale attack. "The swift action of the soldiers prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces," Zamir stated, noting that the terrorists' vehicle contained enough ammunition for a widespread attack.
According to assessments presented at the meeting, the two terrorists departed from Hebron with a significant amount of ammunition in their vehicle, aiming to carry out a major attack. They were armed with an M4 assault rifle and a pistol, and their vehicle also contained a "Bross" weapon with additional ammunition. Intelligence suggests the terrorists planned to drive onto Route 35, connecting Hebron to central Israel, but were stopped at a temporary checkpoint manned by Home Front Command forces.
The exchange of fire with the terrorists lasted over 20 minutes at close range after they exited their vehicle to attack the soldiers at the checkpoint. Numerous security forces responded to the scene until the terrorists were neutralized. The "Ari" battalion, a new Home Front Command unit on its first deployment in the West Bank, played a role in the neutralization, with its deputy commander and company commander leading the effort.
Five people were injured in the attack, two critically. MDA paramedics and a IDF medical team evacuated the wounded to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals. One person sustained moderate injuries, and two were lightly wounded.
In response to the attack, the Chief of Staff approved a full closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, including Halhoul. Central Command has also initiated mapping of the terrorists' homes. IDF and Border Police forces are conducting offensive operations in Hebron, searching the homes of the terrorists and other suspects. Zamir ordered increased efforts for additional arrests and reinforced 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 those affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and confiscating numerous weapons and four explosive devices.
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