“Today we saw engagement, determination, and professional conduct, exactly as we expect and train for in the IDF.”
By The IDF Club
Terror returned to the streets of Israel Tuesday afternoon when a combined vehicle-ramming and stabbing attack struck the Gush Etzion Junction, leaving one Israeli dead and three others injured. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that two terrorists were shot and neutralized at the scene.
According to the IDF, the assailants, both 18 years old, one from Hebron and the other from the village of Beit Ummar, drove their vehicle into civilians standing at the junction. They then exited the car armed with knives and attempted additional stabbings. During the assault, one of the terrorists advanced at point-blank range on an IDF reservist. The soldier engaged physically, pushed the attacker back with his weapon, and fired, stopping the threat.
Tragically, Aharon Cohen, a resident of Kiryat Arba, father of six and grandfather, was killed in the attack. Magen David Adom medics pronounced him dead on-site. Three additional victims, a woman in her 40s, a man in his 30s, and a 15-year-old boy, were evacuated to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem with penetrating injuries. None are currently in life-threatening condition.
IDF forces discovered multiple explosive devices inside the terrorists’ vehicle, which Border Police sappers from Judea and Samaria neutralized on site, preventing a potential secondary assault.
Following the attack, the IDF launched extensive operations in the area, establishing checkpoints, sealing roads, encircling villages, and conducting searches throughout the Etzion Brigade sector. Palestinian reports indicate IDF activity in Beit Ummar, the home village of one of the attackers.
On Tuesday evening, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted a preliminary review at the scene along with Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot, Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Kobi Heller, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, Border Police Commander in Judea and Samaria Deputy Commissioner Nisso Gueta, and other senior commanders.
The Chief of Staff said, “We experienced today a difficult event in which an Israeli civilian was killed and three others were injured. The reservists once again demonstrated fighting spirit and readiness to hold the line. Alongside the seriousness of the event, I want to express great appreciation. Today we saw engagement, determination, and professional conduct, exactly as we expect and train for in the IDF.
“You prevented an even more serious incident,” he continued. “The forces acted with vigilance and calm, neutralizing a threat to Israeli civilians. We must remain alert while carrying out intense and proactive operations—this is our mission in defending communities and residents. We will continue to investigate, learn, and improve to fulfill our objectives and protect Israel’s citizens.”
Local authorities and the community of Kiryat Arba mourned the loss of Aharon Cohen, describing him as a respected and devoted member of the city.
