Netanyahu Orders Hebron Lockdown After Deadly Terror Attack

Two terrorists, identified as relatives from the Hamas-affiliated Jua'ba family in Hebron, were killed Friday after opening fire on IDF soldiers at the Yehuda Junction, near Hebron. The initial IDF investigation suggests the two, both 27, were en route to carry out a larger attack. They were stopped at a routine checkpoint approximately 300 meters from the main road by soldiers from the Home Front Command's 'Ari' battalion.

During a 20-minute firefight, two soldiers, Sgt. Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, and Cpl. Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, were killed, and three others were lightly wounded before the terrorists were eliminated by forces from the 101st battalion and the Home Front Command. A large quantity of ammunition, including a long rifle and a pistol, was found in the terrorists' vehicle. The IDF is investigating the possibility of external direction for the attack, noting there was no specific prior warning.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate lockdown of Hebron and preparation for a full closure of all of Judea and Samaria. "Our forces are operating with increased strength to thwart terror and carrying out widespread arrest waves. We will pursue Hamas terrorists and their patrons everywhere and at all times. You have no hiding place," Netanyahu stated. He also announced plans to demolish the terrorists' neighborhood in Hebron, similar to operations in Jenin refugee camp, stating, "We will evacuate the residents, we will go house by house, we will remove weapons there, and all terror infrastructure will be dealt with and destroyed." He further indicated that the IDF is prepared for a broad operation in Judea and Samaria, potentially the largest since the Six-Day War, with the timing to be determined.

Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the Prime Minister's remarks, stating that the attack was part of a plan by Iran and its proxies to disrupt the upcoming elections. He confirmed that the terrorists were eliminated by IDF soldiers and that the neighborhood from which they emerged would be treated "powerfully and unprecedentedly" by evacuating residents and destroying terror infrastructure. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures adjacent to the attack site.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment, noting that the terrorists were eliminated by the deputy commander and company commander of the 'Ari' battalion. He also reported that dozens of weapons, including M16s, Carlo submachine guns, airsoft guns, and four explosive devices, were found. The IDF and Border Police have entered Hebron and surrounding villages in an offensive operation, imposing a full closure and operating in the terrorists' homes and those of other suspects. Recent counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria have led to the arrest of over 70 wanted individuals. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee commented on the attack, questioning whether the media would give it the same extensive coverage as incidents involving olive pickers.