Israeli Forces Neutralize Terrorists After Deadly Hebron Area Attack

Two terrorists, identified as Hamouda Juaba and Firas Juaba, both 27, residents of Hebron and related by family, were killed by Israeli security forces Friday after carrying out a shooting attack near the Yehuda Junction in the Hebron region. The attack began when the terrorists arrived in a vehicle with Israeli license plates and stopped near a temporary IDF checkpoint. They then opened fire on the soldiers manning the post. Security footage shows the attackers emerging from the car armed with an M4 rifle and a handgun, splitting up, and firing at the soldiers. Civilians in vehicles waiting for inspection were seen fleeing the scene. The exchange of fire lasted over 20 minutes, during which the terrorists used nearby structures for cover. Additional security forces, including the commander of the company, deputy battalion commander, and an officer from the Paratroopers Brigade's 101st Battalion, arrived and executed a flanking maneuver to eliminate the attackers. Five people were injured in the attack, two of them critically. The initial assessment suggests the terrorists intended to proceed to Highway 35 to carry out a larger attack on Israeli civilians but were thwarted by the checkpoint. The large amount of ammunition found in their vehicle, including an ammunition crate, indicates they were prepared for an extended operation. The IDF stated there was no specific prior warning about this attack, but forces were on alert due to current tensions surrounding the olive harvest and elections. The Shin Bet and military intelligence are investigating whether the attackers acted independently or as part of a larger organization. Following the attack, a full closure was imposed on Hebron and Halhul, with plans for numerous arrests, mapping of the terrorists' homes, and engineering operations in the area in the coming days.