IDF investigating if overnight attacks in Gush Etzion were carried out by foreign parties

The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Service) have been assessing the possibility of coordinated attacks by foreign threats in a car bombing and a separate shooting attack in Gush Etzion, in the early morning hours between Friday and Saturday.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and regional brigade heads conducted a situational assessment of the scene. The military announced that it emphasized the continuation of offensive efforts to stop terrorism in its tracks.

The security forces estimated that the attack was planned to be particularly deadly and to “create a reality-changing event,” Israeli media reported on Saturday.

Two car bombs were supposed to explode simultaneously in Karmei Tzur, as well as at a nearby gas station.

The attackers came from Hebron and were in contact, attempting to coordinate their attacks.

The two terrorists killed in the overnight attack were identified as Hebron residents in their 20s. Israeli media reported their names as Muhammad Ahsan Yakin Marka, who was killed following the gas station explosion, and Zadi Nadal Tawfik Abu Afifa, who was neutralized in Karmei Tzur.

According to security forces, the explosives in the two vehicles that exploded were not standard. Several kilograms of explosives were detected.

Security forces are investigating the possibility of a third vehicle.

Following the attack, the IDF set up roadblocks on traffic routes in the northern part of the city of Hebron and began to conduct extensive searches in the area. The IDF also closed the Cave of the Patriarchs.

Foreign agents may have been involved

Israeli security forces are investigating whether the attacks were planned and directed by foreign actors. Following the car explosion at a gas station in Gush Etzion, security forces determined that it happened prematurely due to technical malfunction. The terrorist carrying out the attack tried to flee from the scene but was shot by IDF troops and security.

Around midnight, the terrorist driving the second bomb-equipped car managed to break through the gate of the Karmei Tzur settlement. Security agents acted decisively and rammed the attacking vehicle, causing it to explode.

The IDF announced that after an assessment of both incidents, it was determined that the terrorists intended to place the vehicles in crowded areas and then detonate them while launching a shooting attack at passersby and rescue forces. 

The military noted that in both cases, the terrorists fired at the forces, and the Etzion Brigade Commander was lightly wounded in a fight with the terrorist at the gas station in the Gush Etzion junction.

The IDF praised the actions of the settlement security guard, as well as the performance of the forces who acted resolutely against the terrorists.

While the teams were dealing with the impact of the initial incident, another report was received about a car fire in Karmei Tzur. Additional teams were dispatched, finding two burning vehicles – one belonging to terrorists who tried to infiltrate the settlement, and the other of the settlement’s security guard who prevented the entry.

The second vehicle was loaded with ammunition, presenting an additional challenge for the firefighters, Israeli media reported.

Deputy Chief Tamir Erez, commander of the Judea Regional Station, spoke about the events,. “During the months of war, and even before that, we dealt with terror incidents in the station’s area. Events like those we experienced last night represent an escalation and bring us back to the rounds of escalation we faced in previous years.”

Erez emphasized  the impact of its forces immediate response, crediting its readiness: “Firefighters are alert and ready to respond quickly and save lives in any event they are called to, in cooperation with the IDF, Israel Police, and all other relevant bodies.”

Palestinian media has reported arrests were made in Hebron on Saturday afternoon, after the attacks.