IDF Chief of Staff Vows Pursuit After Fatal Hebron Attack Kills Two Soldiers

By רועי רובינשטיין, אילנה קוריאל, אלישע בן קימון, עידן בלומהוף

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Two Israeli soldiers, Sergeant First Class Ron Jonathan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, were killed in a shooting attack near Hebron. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir vowed to pursue those responsible and stated the forces' actions prevented a larger attack. The IDF is investigating the incident, which involved a prolonged firefight with two Hamas-affiliated terrorists who were neutralized. The attack has led to increased security measures and calls for stricter consequences for terrorists and their families.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Two Israeli soldiers killed in a shooting attack near Hebron.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir vowed to pursue all involved in the attack.
The soldiers were the first fatalities from the newly established Ari Battalion.
The two terrorists, affiliated with Hamas, were neutralized after a 20-minute firefight.
Security measures were increased, including a lockdown on Hebron and Dura.
A father of one of the fallen soldiers called for an end to bloodshed and accountability for terrorists' families.

IDF Chief of Staff Vows Pursuit After Fatal Hebron Attack Kills Two Soldiers — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Israeli military is investigating a deadly shooting attack near Hebron that resulted in the deaths of Sergeant First Class Ron Jonathan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated at the scene that while the outcome of the clash with the terrorist cell was painful, initial findings suggest the forces' actions prevented a more severe attack against Israeli civilians. Zamir pledged to pursue all those involved in the incident.

Zamir noted that the IDF had prepared for potential escalation in Judea and Samaria prior to the attack, reinforcing forces and activating additional command structures. He emphasized the military's high state of readiness across all fronts, particularly in the sensitive week leading up to upcoming elections. The Chief of Staff vowed to continue attacking and initiating actions where necessary, operating with composure and not allowing enemies to influence them.

Reitman and Suilem were the first fatalities from the Ari Battalion of the Home Front Command, established recently to bolster combat forces. The families are struggling to cope with their loss. Yuval Suilem's father, Amnon, described his son as a kind and ambitious individual who loved music and cherished his relationships. He expressed his pain, stating, "They took my flower." Ron Reitman's family remembered him as a determined individual who fought to serve in a combat role despite an earlier injury, fulfilling his dream.

The two terrorists, identified as relatives Hamuda and A'al Muhammad Gouba and Fares Samir Muhammad Gouba, opened fire after arriving at the scene. The ensuing firefight lasted over 20 minutes, during which additional forces arrived and neutralized the terrorists. A significant amount of ammunition was found in the terrorists' vehicle, suggesting plans for a major attack. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the cell was directed externally or acted on its own initiative.

Following the attack, a lockdown was imposed on Hebron and Dura, restricting entry and exit. Security forces are conducting extensive searches and mapping the homes of the deceased terrorists. The father of Yuval Suilem conveyed a message to the political echelon, stating, "I am not looking for blood revenge, but to stop the bloodshed," advocating for the expulsion of terrorists' close families from the country to ensure accountability.