What we know as Netanyahu vows major military operation in West Bank after deadly attack on troops

Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, from Hod Hasharon, lost their lives in a West Bank terror attack on Friday, according to the IDF. Roytman served as a squad commander, while Svilem was a combat soldier in the Ari Battalion (775), Search and Rescue Brigade. Both soldiers tragically perished in combat at the Judea Junction when two terrorists, armed with an M4 machine gun and a pistol, opened fire on four soldiers stationed there.

Initial plans by the attackers were to continue their assault on Route 35, but they abandoned this after discovering it would be difficult to breach. Roytman's uncle, Dani, described him as a cheerful individual with a sharp wit and a mature demeanor. The tragedy has left his family struggling to cope with the loss. Three other soldiers from the battalion sustained minor injuries and were promptly evacuated for medical attention.

IDF Commander Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth paid tribute to the bravery displayed by soldiers at the scene of the attack, acknowledging the heavy toll the encounter exacted. Bluth expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and denounced the attack as an unfortunate price paid for the safety of Israeli civilians. Bluth also unveiled a substantial counterterrorism operation, including a cordon on the towns of Hebron and Halhul, vowing to bring all terrorists to justice and dismantle their infrastructure.