🇮🇱 SAMARIA ATTACK AND ISRAEL’S PREPARATIONS FOR A WIDER IRAN CONFLICT

🕑 Published: July 24, 2026 · 7:28 PM Israel time

🕯️ Two soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack near Tell in Samaria. Maj. Yuval Ezra, 27, a battery commander in the 411th Battalion of the 282nd Artillery Regiment, and Master Sgt. (res.) Benayahu Mellet, 32, a Jerusalem Brigade commander serving as a regional defense soldier, were recognized as fallen soldiers.

The incident began after Israelis conducted an unauthorized hike in the area. A terrorist seized an assault rifle from a civilian security officer and opened fire, killing Ezra during the clash. Four terrorists, including the shooter, were eliminated, and the weapon was recovered by IDF forces.

Duvdevan commandos, acting with Shin Bet guidance, subsequently raided a hospital in Shechem and apprehended two wounded terrorists who had participated in the attack. They were transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning, while security forces continued pursuing additional suspects whose identities were known.

Shin Bet chief David Zini acknowledged that the agency had failed to thwart the attack in advance despite preventing dozens of attacks in recent months. He urged the public not to take the law into its own hands and to rely on the IDF and Shin Bet.

Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth announced a broad counterterrorism operation across the sector, with additional forces deployed to arrest the remaining terrorists and prepare for possible copycat attacks. The operation follows several days of violence, including approximately 30 homes burned, an arson attack in Beit Furik and multiple stabbing incidents.

🛰️ The United States is weighing a larger operation against Iran as Israel prepares for possible retaliation. President Trump said he was close to deciding whether to launch what he described as a “massive attack” exceeding previous operations.

Trump said Israel would join quickly if asked, although the United States did not require Israeli participation. He also warned that Israeli involvement could bring Iranian retaliation. Israel has told Washington that it favors a different type of operation intended to inflict significant damage on Iranian infrastructure.

Western intelligence agencies assess that Iran may act first against Israel. An Israeli security source said Iranian missile batteries were ready for immediate launch, while Israeli officials said the countries were moving toward a wider confrontation.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel was prepared for every possibility and warned that Iran would suffer a “crushing blow” if it attacked. Magen David Adom and ZAKA personnel were placed on high alert, while several hospitals were instructed to prepare protected underground facilities.

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