Helmet Cam Captures Pursuit and Elimination of Palestinian Attackers in Kiryat Arba

Footage from the helmet camera of Moshe Botvia, the security officer for Kiryat Arba-Hebron, documents the intense moments of a pursuit and firefight with Palestinian attackers. The operation involved the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, soldiers from the Home Front Command's Ari Battalion, and fighters from the Paratroopers Brigade's 101st Battalion.

The video provides a first-person perspective of the security forces' engagement, showing the chase and the firing at the assailants. The engagement lasted over 20 minutes, with additional forces arriving to encircle and neutralize the attackers. During a search of the attackers' vehicle, a large quantity of ammunition was discovered.

Initial assessments suggest the attackers intended to carry out a significant attack against civilians, aiming to reach main roads and proceed into Israel's interior. The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, praised the soldiers of the Ari Battalion for their swift action, stating their response prevented a more severe attack and further casualties among civilians and security forces. He made these remarks during a situation assessment at the Judea Brigade.

Two individuals sustained moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries during the incident. An AFP photographer present at the scene documented the exchange of fire, the attackers reloading their weapons, and their bodies on the ground after being eliminated. The IDF will investigate the photographer's account to determine if he was present by chance or had prior information about the attack.

In response to the incident, a closure was imposed on Hebron and Halhul, restricting entry and exit from the cities. Additionally, a policy known as "Gray Barrier" was activated throughout the Central Command, involving the inspection of Palestinian vehicles on main roads.