The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their security operations in Samaria after a deadly terrorist attack claimed the life of an Israeli civilian traveling to a hospital on Thursday. The attack, which occurred near the settlement of Hermesh, resulted in the fatal shooting of a woman by armed assailants believed to be affiliated with Iranian-backed terror networks operating in Judea and Samaria.
Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted a field assessment at the site of the attack alongside senior military commanders, including Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot and the Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Yaki Dolf. The team reviewed the circumstances of the incident, coordinated ground operations, and reaffirmed the IDF’s ongoing campaign against terror groups in the region.
Military officials have implemented a security cordon around local Arab villages, imposed temporary closures, and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The search is being supported by special forces, surveillance teams, and intelligence personnel from the IDF and Shin Bet. The military’s goal is to swiftly apprehend the terrorists and dismantle any supporting infrastructure tied to organized groups such as Hamas, widely recognized as a principal proxy for Iran’s regional ambitions.
The attack comes amid a broader escalation of violence in Judea and Samaria, where Israeli authorities report a surge in attempted and foiled terrorist acts. Thursday’s incident highlighted the continuing threat faced by Israeli civilians, particularly as Iranian-backed factions encourage attacks through logistical support and ideological indoctrination. Both the IDF and government officials have asserted that Hamas and other militant entities—the same organizations responsible for the October 7, 2023 massacre, the deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust—continue to direct violence from both within and outside the region.
Following the attack, the Israeli government authorized reinforcements and expanded security operations across sensitive areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz underscored the state’s duty to defend its citizens and seek justice, pledging to use all tools available to deter and respond to terrorism. The Home Front Command has also provided additional safety guidance to communities near terrorist hotspots, and psychological support services have been expanded for those affected by the ongoing violence.
Commander Zamir emphasized that, while Israel’s efforts are directed exclusively at combatting terrorists and their networks, utmost caution is exercised to prevent harm to uninvolved residents of the area. The IDF’s rules of engagement and oversight mechanisms remain in force, maintaining Israel’s commitment to international law and the distinction between legitimate self-defense and deliberate attacks on civilians—a point officials stressed in contrast to the methods of Hamas and other terror operatives.
The Israeli response has drawn support from international partners, including the United States. President Donald Trump, whose administration fostered close military cooperation under the Abraham Accords, reiterated American backing for Israel’s right to self-defense and called for greater global action to restrict Iran’s ability to fund and arm regional proxies.
Security analysts note that Iran, through its so-called “axis of resistance”—comprised of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias in Syria and Iraq—continues to orchestrate campaigns to destabilize Israel and export terrorism. In Judea and Samaria, this translates to more frequent attempts to smuggle arms, radicalize local operatives, and plan attacks against Israeli targets.
The community response to the Hermesh attack has been marked by both grief and defiance, as vigils and solidarity gatherings were held across the country. The loss of the Israeli woman—murdered en route to a maternity ward—has galvanized public opinion and strengthened national unity against ongoing threats. Community leaders and humanitarian organizations have rallied to support the bereaved family and reinforce societal resilience in the face of terror.
Looking ahead, Israeli military leadership has indicated that counter-terror initiatives will continue unabated, combining intelligence operations, targeted raids, and enhanced defensive measures. The government has called upon the international community to amplify efforts to isolate and penalize entities supporting terrorism, especially those linked to the Iranian regime.
Thursday’s attack in Samaria underscores the gravity of the evolving conflict and Israel’s determination to shield its citizens. While challenges persist, the IDF’s commitment to pursuing perpetrators and preventing future attacks remains resolute—a reflection of the nation’s broader struggle to uphold security, justice, and the rule of law in the region.
