IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the amount of ammunition discovered in the terrorists’ vehicle indicated that they had planned an attack on a significantly larger scale.
By United with Israel Staff
Two IDF soldiers were killed and three other people wounded in a Hamas-affiliated shooting attack near Hebron in southern Judea on Friday morning, before Israeli forces eliminated the two terrorists and prevented what the military said was intended to be a much larger attack.
The IDF identified the fallen soldiers as Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, from Ashkelon, a squad commander in the 775th Ari Battalion of the Search and Rescue Brigade, and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, from Hod Hasharon, a combat soldier in the same battalion.
The two were killed in the battle at the Yehuda Junction in the Judea Brigade sector.
Three additional victims were wounded in the attack, including two moderately and one lightly. The wounded were evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.
The terrorists, identified as Mohammad Jaaba and Firas Jaaba, both 27-year-old residents of Hebron, arrived in the area by vehicle carrying a rifle, a handgun and a large quantity of ammunition. Both were identified with Hamas, according to Israeli media reports.
The terrorists opened fire on IDF troops near the Yehuda Junction, sparking an extended gun battle that lasted more than 20 minutes.
They were ultimately eliminated by the deputy commander of the Ari Battalion and a company commander who rushed to the scene.
The IDF said the large quantity of ammunition discovered in the terrorists’ vehicle indicated that they had prepared to carry out an attack on a significantly larger scale, including against Israeli civilians.
“This was a serious terrorist attack,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a military situational assessment following the shooting.
“The quick action of the soldiers prevented an even more serious attack and additional harm to civilians and security forces,” he said. “A large quantity of ammunition was found in the vehicle in which the terrorists arrived at the scene, which was intended to be used to carry out an attack on a larger scale.”
Zamir held the assessment with Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, the heads of the IDF Operations and Intelligence directorates and other senior commanders.
He approved a full encirclement of Hebron and additional villages in the area, stepped-up arrest operations and increased intelligence efforts, while instructing the military to prepare additional reinforcements for Central Command if necessary.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later held a separate security assessment with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Zamir, Shin Bet chief David Zini, National Security Adviser Shmuel Ben Ezra and Bluth.
“I commend our heroic soldiers who acted with determination and prevented a major terrorist attack, and I wish our wounded a speedy recovery,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu ordered security forces to immediately encircle Hebron and prepare for a full closure across Judea and Samaria beginning Friday.
“Our forces are operating with reinforced troops to thwart terrorism and are carrying out widespread waves of arrests,” Netanyahu said.
“We will pursue the Hamas terrorists and those who sent them, everywhere and at all times. You have no place to hide.”
IDF and Border Police forces subsequently launched offensive counterterrorism operations in Hebron and surrounding villages, imposing a full encirclement and operating in the terrorists’ homes and those of additional suspects.
The operation comes amid a broader counterterrorism crackdown across Judea and Samaria.
Over the past week, the IDF, Border Police and Israel Police, acting on Shin Bet intelligence, have arrested more than 70 wanted suspects, including individuals affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as well as people accused of incitement against Israel and the IDF.
Security forces also seized dozens of weapons, including M16 rifles, improvised Carlo submachine guns and four explosive devices.
The IDF said security forces would continue offensive operations throughout Judea and Samaria to thwart terrorism and protect Israeli civilians.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!