The incident occurred during a clash near the Palestinian city of Halhul.
By Erin Viner
The Palestinian assailant shot at Israeli soldiers conducting routine activity in the area. The troops responded with live fire and neutralized the assailant, said the IDF, adding that his weapon was also confiscated.
Investigation is underway to establish whether the gunman was responsible for a shooting attack on Sunday on an Israeli civilian bus adjacent to Halhul, in the West Bank north of Hebron.
No IDF injuries were reported.
Palestinian officials identified the attacker as a Palestinian Authority security officer in the West Bank.
The incident marks the 13th death of Palestinians during clashes with Israeli security forces since the start of 2023, according to Palestinian officials. No Israeli soldiers have been killed in any of the operations.
As part of Operation Waves Breaker, IDF, Israel Security Agency (ISA, Shin Bet) and Border Police Special Units conducted counterterrorism activities throughout the West Bank districts of Judea and Samaria overnight – during which seven suspected terror operatives were successfully apprehended. Multiple illegal weapons and munitions were discovered and confiscated.
Separately, IDF forces provided security to a group of Jewish worshippers seeking to pray at the Tomb of Josef, son of Jacob who is mentioned in the Biblical Book of Genesis. During the pre-arranged, scheduled visit, Palestinian rioters hurled firebombs, improvised explosive devices and rocks toward the shrine, located near the West Bank city of Nablus. No injuries were reported among the Israeli pilgrims or troops, although the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed that “hits” among the Palestinian attackers were “identified.”
Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi marked his first day in office at the Israeli military’s Central Command Headquarters for an extensive situation assessment in all matters regarding the West Bank districts of the Jordan Valley, Judea and Samaria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated yesterday that Israel “will meet murderous terrorism with an iron fist. We will know how to find them anywhere, anytime,” and affirming that the ISA, IDF and the security forces will continue to operate wherever terrorist attacks originate.