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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Tuesday that Israel would “complete the war in all arenas” after a deadly terror attack at the Gush Etzion junction left one Israeli dead and three others wounded.
The attack, carried out by two Palestinian assailants, has reignited security concerns in the West Bank as tensions remain high across the region.
Netanyahu made the remarks during a ceremony honoring Maj. (Res.) Moshe Yedidya Leiter, an Israeli soldier killed in the early months of the Gaza war in November 2023.
Standing before attendees, Netanyahu condemned the attack and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continue its campaign against Hamas and other militant groups.
“Today we experienced another Palestinian terror attack,” the prime minister said. “We are determined to complete the war in all arenas, including by disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.” His comments underscored Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and efforts to curb violence in the West Bank.
The attack took place earlier in the day when two terrorists drove a vehicle into civilians standing at the busy Gush Etzion junction. After striking the victims, the attackers exited the vehicle and attempted to stab those nearby. Their deadly assault ended when Israeli reservists at the scene opened fire, killing both assailants.
The victim killed in the attack was identified as 70-year-old Aharon Cohen, a resident of Kiryat Arba. Cohen, a widower, leaves behind six children and numerous grandchildren. His death has devastated the local community, where he was known as a devoted father and grandfather.
Medical officials reported that three others were wounded in the attack. A woman in her 40s was severely injured, while a 30-year-old and a 15-year-old were moderately wounded. All were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on social media. The group praised the attackers and urged Palestinians to escalate assaults against Israelis, further heightening fears of additional violence.
The assailants were identified as 18-year-old Ibrahim Imran al-Atrash from Hebron and 18-year-old Walid Muhammad Khalil Sabarneh from Beit Umar, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Health Ministry. Both youths had no known prior terror affiliations, though investigations are ongoing.
The Gush Etzion junction, a frequent flashpoint in the West Bank, has been the site of numerous attacks in recent years. Tuesday’s incident adds to growing concerns about a potential surge in militant activity amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israeli security forces have increased their presence in the area following the attack, while leaders across the political spectrum have condemned the violence. As Israel continues its operations against Hamas, officials warn that similar attacks may persist.
The prime minister’s message was clear: Israel’s campaign against militant groups will continue unabated, and Tuesday’s attack has only strengthened the government’s resolve.