The IDF said Friday that terrorists attacked Israeli civilians hiking near Havat Gilad in Samaria, stole a security officer's weapon, and opened fire, wounding several. The military imposed a closure on Nablus and the village of Tel and is conducting a manhunt for the assailants. The IDF did not provide a specific casualty count.
The IDF on Friday morning imposed a closure on Nablus and the village of Tel, and launched a manhunt for the assailants, after confirming that the attackers stole a security officer's weapon and opened fire on Israeli hikers near Havat Gilad in Samaria. The military said several civilians were wounded and evacuated, but did not provide a specific count.
Initial reports of the attack emerged at 08:47 Jerusalem, describing a security guard wounded and his weapon snatched. By 09:25, Magen David Adom confirmed one fatality at the scene, with two other victims — a 20-year-old in serious condition and a 25-year-old in moderate condition — evacuated by helicopter. The Palestinian Health Ministry later reported four Palestinians killed in the incident, noting they are likely the eliminated terrorists, as The Zioneer reported at 09:39 Jerusalem. The IDF's detailed account, issued at 08:47, corroborated the weapon theft and the closure, matching the earlier reports from Israeli media.
The attack follows a series of security incidents in the West Bank. As The Zioneer reported on Friday, Israeli forces arrested the terrorist who shot a soldier in the Hebron Hills two weeks ago. On Saturday, gunfire was directed at Israeli vehicles on Route Gilad, causing damage but no casualties. The closure on Nablus and Tel marks a significant escalation in the response to the Havat Gilad attack.
The identity of the attackers remains unconfirmed, and the IDF has not specified the exact number of casualties from the initial assault. The manhunt is ongoing.
12 developments
- DevelopingFootage emerges from shooting scene; Magen David Adom crews on site
- DevelopingIDF was on immediate alert for Iran from Nevatim base, enabling defense and rapid strike, military source says
- StrongHezbollah broke ceasefire, opened fire on IDF troops, source says
- DevelopingIDF locates soldier suspected of filming bound Palestinian in Gaza, says investigation underway
Source and signal
- Open-source intake