Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Terror Attack Near Hebron
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Two Israeli soldiers, Senior Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Swilem, 20, were killed in a terrorist attack on Friday, October 23, 2026, near the Yehuda Junction close to Hebron. The attack, carried out by Hamas operatives, involved sustained gunfire and resulted in two terrorists being neutralized. Several others were wounded, and security forces have since imposed a lockdown on Hebron and surrounding areas, with the Prime Minister vowing to pursue those responsible.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Two Israeli soldiers, Ron Yonatan Reitman and Yuval Shai Swilem, were killed in a terror attack near Hebron on October 23, 2026.
- The attack involved sustained gunfire, and two terrorists were neutralized by Israeli forces.
- Hamas operatives are believed to be responsible for the attack, which security forces suggest was intended to be larger in scope.
- Following the incident, Hebron and surrounding villages were placed under lockdown, and security measures were intensified.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to pursue those responsible for the attack.
- An investigation is underway into whether a photographer had prior knowledge of the attack.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released the names of two soldiers killed in a Friday, October 23, 2026, terrorist attack near the Yehuda Junction, close to Hebron. Senior Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Swilem, 20, from Od HaSharon, both served in the 775th "Ari" Battalion of the Home Front Command's Rescue Brigade.
The attack occurred on Highway 35 near the Yehuda Junction, where terrorists opened fire for over 20 minutes with automatic rifles. Two terrorists were killed by soldiers from the same battalion. The IDF is searching for potential accomplices. "Magen David Adom" reported five wounded individuals, two in critical condition and three lightly injured, all around 20 years old. Two of the critically wounded later succumbed to their injuries.
Security forces believe the attackers were Hamas operatives who were planning a larger operation. A significant amount of ammunition was found in their vehicle. Following the attack, Highway 35 near Hebron was closed by police. Hamas has praised the attackers as "heroes." The homes of the neutralized terrorists have been measured for potential demolition.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir convened a meeting to discuss the incident, stating that the soldiers' swift actions prevented a more severe attack. He approved the closure of Hebron and surrounding villages and ordered increased intelligence gathering and arrests. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held a security meeting and praised the soldiers' actions, ordering an immediate lockdown of Hebron and preparation for a full blockade of Judea and Samaria. He vowed to pursue Hamas terrorists and their handlers relentlessly.
The IDF is also investigating whether an AFP photographer, who was documenting the terrorists during the pursuit, had prior knowledge of the attack.
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