Two Palestinian Attackers Killed Near Hebron After Injuring Five

The attackers, identified as Hamouda Wael Mohammed Jaaba and Firas Samir Mohammed Jaaba, both 27-year-old relatives from Hebron, arrived in a vehicle with Israeli license plates. Armed with an M4 rifle, a handgun, and a large quantity of ammunition and explosives, they opened fire on Home Front Command soldiers. A fierce gunbattle ensued, lasting over 20 minutes, during which the terrorists used nearby structures for cover. The firefight involved soldiers from the Home Front Command's Ari Battalion, a Paratroopers Brigade officer, and Kiryat Arba security chief Moshe Botavia, and ended when a deputy battalion commander's unit flanked and killed the attackers.

Security officials believe the terrorists planned a larger attack on Route 35 but were thwarted at the checkpoint. The terrorist organization Hamas praised the attackers as heroes. Following the incident, the IDF imposed a full closure on Hebron and Halhoul, launching extensive counterterrorism operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered preparations for a broader closure in Judea and Samaria, and immediate demolitions of illegal structures near the attack site were ordered. The military is also investigating whether an AFP photographer present at the scene had prior knowledge of the attack.