Full coverage· Security· Updated 11:23

IDF Chief of Staff Reveals Plot Foiled by 20-Minute Firefight

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir praised soldiers for preventing a larger-scale shooting attack at Yehuda Junction on Friday, October 23, 2026. The incident left five people injured, including two in critical condition, before the two terrorists were neutralized.

3 newsrooms · 1 language · since 09:39

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IDF Chief of Staff Reveals Plot Foiled by 20-Minute Firefight — Illustration by baba

What happened

01IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir praised soldiers for thwarting a major shooting attack at Yehuda Junction on Friday, October 23, 2026.
02Five people were injured in the shooting attack, including two who are in critical condition.
03The two terrorists from Hebron were eliminated by a deputy battalion commander and a company commander after a 20-minute firefight.
04A large cache of ammunition, an M4 rifle, a pistol, and a Bross weapon were found in the terrorists' vehicle.
05Intelligence indicates the terrorists planned to drive onto Route 35 toward central Israel before being stopped at a temporary checkpoint.
06Zamir approved a full lockdown of Hebron and surrounding villages, increased arrests, and preparations for troop reinforcements.

The terrorists, who originated from Hebron, were armed with an M4 assault rifle and a pistol. Their vehicle also contained a Bross weapon and a large cache of ammunition. According to intelligence assessments, the terrorists planned to drive onto Route 35 toward central Israel but were stopped at a temporary checkpoint manned by Home Front Command forces, leading to a 20-minute firefight at close range.

The deputy battalion commander of the Ari Battalion and a company commander arrived at the scene and eliminated the terrorists. Following a situation assessment with senior commanders, including Central Command head Major General Avi Bluth, Zamir approved a full lockdown of Hebron and surrounding villages, alongside increased arrests and troop reinforcements.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 17:12

Latest report: Kikar HaShabbat. Read Kikar HaShabbat’s original