Squad commander, combat soldier killed in West Bank terror attack, IDF confirms

Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman, aged 23, from Ashkelon, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, aged 20, from Hod Hasharon, were killed in a West Bank terror attack on Friday, the military announced. Roytman was a squad commander, and Slivem was a combat soldier in the Ari Battalion (775), Search and Rescue Brigade, according to the IDF. Both fell in combat at the Judea Junction when two terrorists traveling in a car with an M4 machine gun and a pistol opened fire on four soldiers who were on site. The attackers had originally intended to go past the junction and carry out a larger attack on heavily traveled Route 35, IDF sources estimated, before realizing they would not get through.Roytman's uncle, Dani, described him as "always smiling, with a great sense of humor, and a mature young man." "This is a terrible tragedy, and we are still trying to come to terms with it," he said. Speaking from the site of the attack later on Friday, IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir said, "I extend my deepest condolences to the families of SSGT Ron Yonatan Roytman and SGT Yuval Shai Svilem, who fell while defending Israeli civilians and preventing an even more serious attack. I also wish the wounded a speedy recovery.”Three additional soldiers from the battalion were lightly injured and evacuated to receive medical treatment, the military said, and their families have been notified. Bluth commends IDF bravery, announces 'significant counterterrorism operation'Commander of the Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth commended the "bravery of IDF soldiers" at the scene of the attack later on Friday. Commander of the Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth at the scene of a West Bank terror attack that killed two soldiers, October 23, 2026.“This morning, a grave terror attack against Israeli civilians was thwarted," he said. "Unfortunately, we paid a heavy price during the encounter, and two combat soldiers fell in battle. I wish to extend my condolences to their families."Bluth called the IDF the "protective shield" of Israeli citizens. Today, IDF soldiers put their lives on the line to prevent a grave terror attack against civilians," he said. He also announced a "significant counterterrorism operation alongside imposing a cordon on the areas of Hebron and Halhul." "We will bring all terrorists to justice and dismantle terrorist infrastructure of all kinds," he pledged. Zamir vowed that the military would "act decisively, pursue and reach all those involved in the attack."“The outcome of the encounter with the terrorist cell is painful," he said, "but the initial inquiry indicates that the troops' actions prevented a serious attack against Israeli civilians. “We are at the highest level of readiness and alert across all fronts," he continued. "Our primary mission is to thwart terrorism and ensure security and stability for Israeli civilians. We will continue to strike and take proactive action wherever necessary, while acting with composure. We will not be drawn into provocations or allow our enemies to influence our actions, particularly as we enter this sensitive week."Zamir held a situational assessment alongside Bluth, Commander of the 98th Division Brig.-Gen. Meni Liberty, Acting Head of the Civil Administration Brig.-Gen. (Res) Ilan Malka, the commander of the Judea Regional Brigade, the commander of the Judea and Samaria Border Police, representatives of the Israel Security Agency (ISA), and additional senior commanders."Based on the situational assessment, we prepared for the possibility of escalation in Judea and Samaria, reinforced our troops, and deployed the 98th Division headquarters and numerous additional troops to the area," he said. "Our troops' operations in the area have prevented and thwarted numerous attacks in recent weeks. We will act decisively and pursue all those involved in the attack. Anyone who attempts to harm us should know that we will reach them."Zamir added that the IDF is at its "highest level of readiness and alert across all fronts.""Our primary mission is to thwart terrorism and ensure security and stability for Israeli civilians. We will continue to strike and take proactive action wherever necessary, while acting with composure. We will not be drawn into provocations or allow our enemies to influence our actions, particularly as we enter this sensitive week. We will also conduct an inquiry into this attack to learn from it and draw lessons for the future," he said.Yonah Jeremy Bob, Tzvi Jasper, and Amichai Stein contributed to this report.