Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a large-scale military operation in the West Bank, following a deadly attack that killed two Israeli soldiers near Hebron.
What happened
A temporary military checkpoint near Yehuda Junction outside Hebron was attacked by two Palestinian terrorists, resulting in the deaths of Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Three additional soldiers were wounded in the attack.
Israeli forces killed both attackers after a firefight lasting over 20 minutes. The IDF's preliminary investigation found that the terrorists had planned to attack Israeli civilians along a nearby highway but instead opened fire on soldiers after encountering the checkpoint.
Netanyahu stated that the planned operation would be unprecedented in scope, similar to the 1967 Six-Day War. The IDF has deployed additional troops and launched arrest operations, with the military reinforcing the region with the headquarters of its 98th Division and additional forces.
Israeli authorities have begun demolishing unauthorized structures near Hebron, and the military has cordoned off the area. The operation comes ahead of Israel's national election on Tuesday, October 27, amid warnings of potential attacks during the final days of the campaign.
