Breaking
Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, both from the Ari Battalion of the Home Front Command, were killed in a shooting attack at the Yehudah junction near Hebron. Three additional people were injured in the attack, with two in critical condition. The incident represents the first fatalities for the newly-deployed Ari Battalion.
Israeli military forces responded swiftly to the terror attack. According to IDF investigations, the Palestinian terrorists involved in the shooting were armed with substantial ammunition and had intended to carry out a larger attack against civilians. Due to a checkpoint in the area, the attackers instead opened fire on soldiers, the military stated.
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full closure of Hebron and the wider West Bank. The IDF confirmed that the terrorists responsible for the attack have been neutralised. Israeli security forces have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding it.
Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post
Update 15:04: Two Israeli soldiers killed and three wounded in West Bank shooting attack. IDF prepares full lockdown and believes gunmen planned larger operation.
Update 16:04: Two IDF soldiers killed in West Bank terror attack carried out by Hamas operatives. Netanyahu orders full West Bank closure and Hebron sealed off in response.
Update 17:05: Two Israeli soldiers killed in West Bank shooting by Palestinian gunmen from Hebron. IDF prepares full West Bank lockdown and PM calls for destroying attackers’ neighbourhood.
