Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in West Bank Shooting Attack Near Hebron

The IDF confirmed the deaths of Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, from Hod HaSharon, in a shooting attack near Hebron. Reitman was a squad commander and Suilam a fighter, both serving in the Ari Battalion of the Combat Rescue Brigade. Three other soldiers were wounded in the attack, all with light injuries. The IDF stated that two Palestinian assailants arrived at the scene, exited a vehicle, and opened fire. The exchange of fire lasted over 20 minutes, during which additional forces, including the deputy battalion commander and company commander of the Ari Battalion, arrived. The soldiers surrounded and neutralized the terrorists. A large quantity of ammunition was found in the assailants' vehicle. It is believed the attackers planned a significant attack against civilians, aiming to reach main roads and proceed to the home front. However, investigators are still determining if the pair acted independently or were directed by an external entity. Since both assailants were killed, the investigation continues to ascertain their intended target. Magen David Adom paramedics, alongside IDF medical personnel, treated the wounded soldiers and evacuated them to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals in Jerusalem. Ofer Ohana, a paramedic who arrived at the scene at the Yehuda Junction on Route 35, documented live fire, reporting over 20 minutes of active shooting and difficulty evacuating the wounded. An AFP news agency photographer documented the assailants reloading their weapons during the firefight and later their bodies on the ground. The IDF will examine the AFP photographer's account to determine if he was present by chance or had prior information about the attack.