From the Liveblog of
Friday, October 23, 2026
IDF Central Command chief: Troops thwarted ‘grave terror attack’ against civilians
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The chief of the IDF Central Command says “a grave terror attack against Israeli civilians was thwarted” this morning in the West Bank, “thanks to the bravery of IDF soldiers.”
“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,” Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth says in a video statement from the scene near Hebron.
“The IDF is the protective shield of Israeli civilians,” he continues.
Bluth says the IDF is “launching 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 adds.
The Times of Israel Community.