The IDF Central Command says it will intensify offensive operations in the area after two soldiers were killed in a shooting attack in Samaria on Friday morning. Military sources speculate that a fire in Havat Gilad, not defined as arson, inspired the attack as part of a wave of arsons and attacks in recent days. The victims have been declared IDF fallen soldiers.
By Friday afternoon, the IDF Central Command announced that it will intensify offensive operations in the Samaria area following the deadly shooting attack that killed two soldiers earlier in the day. The military has already reinforced forces in the sector.
The attack unfolded Friday morning near the village of Tell in the Samaria Brigade area. At 09:25 Jerusalem, Magen David Adom confirmed one fatality at the scene. By 11:09 Jerusalem, the IDF cleared for publication the names of the two fallen soldiers: Major Yuval Ezra, 27, a battery commander from Herzliya, and Master Sergeant (res.) Benayahu Mellet, 32, a combat commander from Yitzhar. The military stated that the terrorist, identified as Farouk Ramadan, snatched an assault rifle from a civilian security officer before opening fire. Four Palestinians were killed in the incident, including the attacker. At 13:41 Jerusalem, the IDF ordered all Central Command soldiers to remain on base and prepared for a large-scale counterterrorism operation. Security analyst Chananel Aviv reported at 14:06 Jerusalem that Arab social networks were inciting further attacks following the incident.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in Judea and Samaria, which The Zioneer reported on June 7 has seen a wave of arson attacks. Military sources speculated that a fire in Havat Gilad, which was not defined as arson, served as inspiration for the attack and contributed to the wave of arsons and attacks in recent days, including the injury of Itamar Cohen. The IDF emphasized that there is no justification for attacking hikers, regardless of permit questions.
The funeral of Benayahu Mellet was held earlier Friday at the community cemetery in Havat Gilad. The military has not provided details on the status of the civilian security officer whose weapon was snatched, nor on any ongoing manhunt for additional suspects.
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