The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday night that they had killed two Palestinian terrorists in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank during two separate but potentially connected incidents involving suspected car bombs.
In the first incident, a car exploded at a gas station near the Gush Etzion junction. IDF troops responded quickly, shooting and killing a terrorist who had arrived in the vehicle and attempted to attack them. During the exchange, two individuals were wounded by gunfire, likely due to friendly fire as forces neutralized the suspect.
The second attack occurred at the entrance to the nearby settlement of Karmei Tzur, where a Palestinian assailant rammed his car through the gate. IDF troops engaged the attacker, and a member of the local security team, driving his own vehicle, crashed into the terrorist, killing him. The guard sustained minor injuries. Shortly after, the assailant’s car exploded due to a bomb planted inside.
The IDF is investigating both attacks and their possible connection, as well as searching for additional suspects. Footage circulating on social media captured the moment the terrorist at the gas station was shot.
These incidents come on the heels of recent IDF counterterrorism operations across several West Bank cities. Earlier this week, the military killed multiple gunmen during operations that followed an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. The bomber, who was identified as Jaafar Mona from Nablus, was affiliated with Hamas.
Hamas official Khaled Mashaal, speaking in Istanbul, called for the resumption of suicide attacks, as reported by Arabic media.
Since October 7, the IDF has arrested approximately 4,850 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including over 1,960 affiliated with Hamas. According to the Palestinian Authority health ministry, over 650 Palestinians have been killed during this period, with the IDF stating that most were gunmen, rioters, or terrorists involved in attacks.
During the same timeframe, 27 people, including Israeli security personnel, have been killed in terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Additionally, five members of the security forces have lost their lives in clashes with terror operatives in the West Bank.
Key Points:
- IDF Actions: The IDF killed two Palestinian terrorists in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank during two separate incidents involving suspected car bombs.
- First Incident: A car exploded at a gas station near the Gush Etzion junction. IDF troops shot and killed the terrorist who attempted to attack them. Two people were wounded by gunfire, likely due to friendly fire.
- Second Incident: A Palestinian terrorist rammed his car through the entrance to the Karmei Tzur settlement. A local security guard crashed into the terrorist’s car, killing him. The terrorist’s car later exploded due to a bomb inside.
- Investigation: The IDF is investigating both incidents for possible connections and searching for additional suspects.
- Recent Counterterrorism Operations: The incidents follow recent IDF operations in the West Bank, where multiple gunmen were killed after an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
- Hamas Involvement: The attempted Tel Aviv bomber was identified as a member of Hamas, and Hamas official Khaled Mashaal has called for the resumption of suicide attacks.
- Arrests and Casualties: Since October 7, the IDF has arrested approximately 4,850 Palestinians in the West Bank, with over 650 killed, mostly gunmen, rioters, or terrorists. During the same period, 27 Israelis, including security personnel, have been killed in terror attacks.
