Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Attack Near Hebron

The IDF confirmed the deaths of Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, from Hod HaSharon, who were killed in a shooting attack near Hebron. Reitman was a squad commander and Suilam was a combat soldier in the Ari Battalion of the Extraction Brigade. Three other soldiers from the same battalion sustained minor injuries in the incident, which occurred at the Yehuda Junction in the Yehuda Brigade area.

Reitman's brother, David, described him as a beloved "star" who was determined to serve as a combat soldier despite a previous injury and initial medical concerns. He noted that Ron had overcome obstacles to achieve his goal and actively sought dangerous assignments in Judea and Samaria. Reitman will be laid to rest on Sunday at the military cemetery in Ashkelon. The mayor of Ashkelon, Tomer Glam, expressed the city's grief and pledged support to Reitman's bereaved family.

The mayor of Hod HaSharon, Amir Kochavi, mourned Suilam, a native of the city, and extended condolences to his parents, siblings, and extended family. Suilam was described as a loving brother and grandson.

IDF forces engaged in a 20-minute firefight with the two attackers, identified as 27-year-old Hamas operatives from Hebron, and eliminated them. The attackers were armed with an M4 rifle and a pistol. Initial investigations suggest they opened fire on a checkpoint when they realized they could not reach their intended destination on Route 35.

Following the attack, the Chief of Staff stated that the soldiers' swift action prevented a more severe incident. A large quantity of ammunition was found in the attackers' vehicle, intended for a larger-scale attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Hebron, announced that the IDF would enter the attackers' neighborhoods, evacuate residents, conduct house-to-house searches, and dismantle terror infrastructure, signaling readiness for broader operations in Judea and Samaria. The report also mentioned a prior incident a month earlier where Neria Leiter, son of the Israeli ambassador to the US, was injured in a car-ramming attack at the Blil checkpoint.