2 Israelis critically wounded, 2 terrorists killed in Hebron shooting; IDF estimates larger attack was prevented

Five Israeli were wounded, including two who are in critical condition, after two terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint on 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 who arrived at the scene of the attack, recounted: “We arrived to a difficult scene while gunfire was still ongoing in the area. We entered in an armored ambulance and immediately began helping evacuate the wounded.”

The gunbattle between the terrorists and IDF soldiers at the checkpoint reportedly lasted for around twenty minutes. The military later confirmed that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the terrorists’ vehicle.

“This was a serious terrorist attack. The 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 at a 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,” stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

⭕️ Following the shooting attack earlier today, IDF soldiers and Israel Border Police officers launched offensive counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, and in additional areas. Over the past week, security forces apprehended ~70 wanted individuals, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad affiliates, and located dozens of weapons, including M16 rifles, Carlo submachine guns & explosive devices. The IDF will continue conducting offensive counterterrorism operations to safeguard Israeli civilians.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 23, 2026

The IDF estimates that the terrorists planned to reach nearby Route 35, which is frequented by many Israeli civilians, and 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 attack, the Likud party announced that “Netanyahu instructed that all political events scheduled for this morning on behalf of Likud be canceled.”

According to initial IDF findings cited by Army Radio, the terrorists approached the checkpoint around 7:30 a.m., coming from the direction of Hebron. However, they were surprised to find the Home Front Command’s Ari Battalion conducting routine vehicle inspections of cars, intended to ensure that terrorists were not leaving the city toward Israeli-controlled parts of Judea and Samaria.

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. After a 20-minute gunbattle, IDF reinforcements managed to outflank the terrorists and killed them.

According to the military, there had been no specific intelligence of an attack in the Hebron sector or Route 35. However, the IDF has been on high alert recently, and a senior officer noted: “Everyone understands that they will try to carry out an attack ahead of the elections.”

Shin Bet and the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate’s are now investigating whether the two terrorists, who hail from Hebron, were a local terrorist cell or part of a larger organization.

Meanwhile, the IDF imposed a siege on Hebron and the neighboring town of Halhul.

Lt-Gen. Zamir also ordered that preparations be made to provide additional reinforcements to Central Command, as requested and according to operational needs.