Five Israelis were wounded, including two in critical condition, after two terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint at Judea Junction near the Palestinian-controlled city of Hebron on Friday morning.
The wounded were evacuated to hospitals in Jerusalem. Tzuriel Edri, an MDA emergency medical technician, recounted, “We arrived at a difficult scene while gunfire was still ongoing. We entered the area in MDA’s bulletproof ambulance and immediately began assisting in evacuating the wounded.”
The gun battle between the terrorists and IDF soldiers at the checkpoint reportedly lasted for around 20 minutes. The military later confirmed that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the suspects’ vehicle.
“This was a serious terrorist attack. The (IDF) fighters’ rapid action prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said during the situational assessment.
“It appears that Hamas terrorists were planning a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians, as evidenced by the large quantities of weapons and ammunition discovered,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The IDF estimates that the terrorists had planned to reach nearby Route 35, which is used by many Israeli civilians, in order to carry out a mass-casualty terror attack.
“Our brave soldiers thwarted this attack with courage and determination. I commend them for their actions and wish our wounded a speedy recovery… We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who sent them, wherever they are and at all times. You have nowhere to hide,” Netanyahu said.
Following the incident, Likud announced that the prime minister had instructed the party to cancel all political events scheduled for that morning.
According to initial IDF findings cited by Army Radio, the terrorists approached the checkpoint around 7:30 a.m. from the direction of Hebron. They were met by the Home Front Command’s Ari Battalion, which was reportedly conducting routine vehicle inspections to prevent terrorists from leaving the city for Israeli-controlled areas of Judea and Samaria.
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When the two terrorists realized they would not be able to pass through the checkpoint, they exited the vehicle carrying an M4 automatic weapon and a pistol, took cover and opened fire at the troops, Army Radio reported. After a 20-minute gun battle, IDF reinforcements managed to outflank the terrorists and killed them.
According to the IDF, there was no specific intelligence warning of an attack in the Hebron area or along Route 35. However, the military has been on high alert in recent days, with a senior officer noting, “Everyone understands that they will try to carry out an attack ahead of the elections.”
Shin Bet and the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate are investigating whether the two terrorists, who hail from Hebron, were part of a local terrorist cell or a larger organization.
Meanwhile, the IDF has imposed a siege on Hebron and the neighboring town of Halhul.
Lt. Gen. Zamir also ordered preparations for additional reinforcements to Central Command, as requested and according to operational needs.
This article originally appeared on ALL ISRAEL NEWS and is reposted with permission.
