Israeli Forces Seal Home of West Bank Gunman in Fatal Shooting Attack

Israeli military forces from the Shomron Brigade completed the sealing of the home of a gunman who carried out a deadly shooting attack near the Gilad Farm in the West Bank. The attack resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra and reserve Sergeant Binyahu Malt, both killed during the weekend incident. The sealing operation took place overnight between Saturday and Sunday after the Central Command commander signed an order for temporary confiscation and sealing of the house in the village of Tel. This sealing is the initial step in a legal process that will lead to the full demolition of the home.

The attacker, a resident of Tel village, opened fire on security forces and civilians near Gilad Farm. Binyahu Malt, 32, a member of the farm’s security team and agriculture coordinator, was killed while assisting a group of hikers attacked by the gunman. The attacker was killed on the scene by Israeli forces. Concurrently, the military mapped the home of another assailant involved in the attack who had stolen a weapon; this suspect was later arrested in Nablus by special forces. His home is also being prepared for temporary sealing ahead of demolition.

In response to the attack, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who attended Malt’s funeral, called for harsh measures against terrorists and their families, urging the enforcement of laws to expel terrorists from Israel. Moshe Feiglin criticized the policy of allowing Palestinian workers into West Bank settlements, calling it a repeated mistake that leads to violence.

Additionally, a mosque in the village of Kusra in Binyamin was set on fire with graffiti reading "Revenge for Binyahu," prompting an investigation by security forces. Malt’s funeral on Friday at Gilad Farm was attended by hundreds, with his wife Esther tearfully recalling their 14 years together and his dedication to protecting the community.

The demolition of terrorists’ homes is a key counterterrorism measure carried out with security and legal approvals. In previous cases, such as a northern Israel attack, demolition occurred about two weeks after the initial sealing of the home.