Attack or engagement? The intelligence failure in Hebron and the gap between the IDF and the political echelon
The article analyzes the attack at the Yehuda Junction near Hebron, highlighting the gap between the IDF's definition of the event as an 'engagement' and its description as an attack. It reports on the assessment that the attackers received assistance from Hamas in Turkey, on arrests of suspects, and on questions regarding the effectiveness of the military operation.
Amir Bohbot's article on Walla deals with the shooting attack that occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Yehuda Junction near Hebron, and analyzes the intelligence failure that led to it. The IDF is making an effort to define the event as an 'engagement' rather than an attack, in order to evade criticism of the prior preparedness. However, the article reports that the assessment is growing that the attackers received assistance from the Hamas command in Turkey. This is an organized terrorist cell, not a lone attacker, which included a pistol, an M4 rifle, ammunition, and training. The forces were unable to deploy an attack drone during the incident, which lasted over 20 minutes. The IDF and Shin Bet arrested several Palestinians suspected of providing assistance. The article notes the bravery of the soldiers who closed in and killed the attackers, but raises questions about the effectiveness of the military activity so far and notes the potential for further attacks.