IDF: The Chief of the General Staff at the scene of the attack in Gush Etzion: “Today we faced a difficult incident in which an Israeli civilian was killed and three others were injured. The reserve troops once again demonstrated the spirit of combat and their preparedness to stand on the front line”
The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, conducted an initial inquiry today (Tuesday) at the scene of the attack at the Gush Etzion Junction together with the Commander of the Central Command, MG Avi Bluth, the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, BG Kobi Heller, the Head of the Israeli Civil Administration, BG Hisham Ibrahim, the Commander of the Israel Border Police in Judea and Samaria, MG Nisso Gueta, and additional commanders.
The Chief of the General Staff noted that this was a severe terrorist attack and shared his condolences to the family of the victim, as well as support to the families of the three injured. In addition, the Chief of the General Staff expressed his appreciation for the reserve troops, who sought contact and eliminated the two terrorists.
The Chief of the General Staff instructed the troops to reinforce the defense along the routes and within the communities, and to continue offensive activity, including mapping and dismantling of the residences of the involved terrorists in Beit Ummar and Hebron.
From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir: “Today we faced a difficult incident in which an Israeli civilian was killed and three others were injured. The reserve troops once again demonstrated the spirit of combat and their preparedness to stand on the front line. Alongside the difficult incident, I want to express deep appreciation and recognition. In today’s event we saw a drive to engage, determination, and professionalism, exactly as we expect and as we instill in the IDF. You prevented an even more severe incident.
The troops remained alert and with composure and removed a threat against Israeli civilians. We will be required to continue remaining vigilant alongside intense and offensive activity – this is our mission in protecting the communities and the residents.
We will continue to review the incident, to learn and to improve, in order to meet the missions we have set for ourselves and to protect the civilians of Israel.”
