Two IDF Soldiers Killed in Attack Near Hebron

The IDF announced Friday the names of two soldiers, Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reutman and Sergeant Yuval Shay Suilem, who were killed in a shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction. The soldiers were part of the Ari Battalion, a unit established within the Home Front Command's rescue brigade in the past year following lessons learned from the war, to bolster combat forces. This was the battalion's first operational deployment after intensive training.

Following the attack, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated that the "quick action of the soldiers 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 larger-scale attack, was found in the terrorists' vehicle.

The battalion commander, Lt. Col. L., reported that his soldiers, who were optimally positioned as part of the defense effort for Israeli residents, professionally neutralized the two terrorists. He emphasized their readiness and determination in engaging the threat, preventing civilian casualties, and successfully completing their mission during their first operational deployment.

According to initial assessments, the two terrorists, identified with Hamas, departed Hebron in a vehicle with Israeli license plates, planning a larger attack against civilians in the region. They arrived at a junkyard near the junction, encountered the IDF soldiers, and opened fire at close range. A complex, 20-minute firefight ensued, during which the deputy battalion commander and a company commander eliminated the attackers.