IDF chief: Massive ammo found, major attack prevented

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held an urgent situation assessment with senior defense officials following the serious shooting attack at Tzomet Yehuda. The Central Command chief, the head of the Operations Directorate, the head of Military Intelligence, and additional commanders participated in the assessment.

During the assessment, details of the attack were presented in which five people were wounded, two of them critically. The terrorists were eliminated by the deputy commander of the Aryeh Battalion and the company commander, who rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the report.

The chief of staff revealed a disturbing finding during the situation assessment: "This was a serious attack. The soldiers' swift action prevented an even more severe attack and additional harm to civilians and security forces." Zamir clarified that "in the vehicle in which the terrorists arrived at the attack scene, a large quantity of ammunition was found, which was intended for carrying out a much larger-scale attack."

The attack occurred on Route 35 near the Tarqumiyah checkpoint, when terrorists opened fire on travelers on the road. After a brief chase, IDF forces reached the terrorists, who continued firing at security personnel — and eliminated them on the spot.

As part of the situation assessment, the chief of staff approved a full closure on the city of Hebron and additional villages in the area. Zamir also ordered increased efforts to carry out additional arrests and strengthen intelligence operations in the region.

The chief of staff also instructed preparation for additional reinforcement of forces to Central Command. Magen David Adom reported that medics and paramedics, together with an IDF medical force, provided medical treatment to five casualties: two in critical condition who were evacuated to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals, one in moderate condition, and two lightly wounded. An IDF spokesperson confirmed that two terrorists were eliminated and that IDF forces continue searches in the area.