Shalev Zvuluny Named as victim in today's attack in Gush Etzion
The Kiryat Arba Council announced moments ago that Zvuluny was the Israeli civilian killed in the shooting and stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction.
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Shalev Zevuloni, a resident of Kiryat Arba, has been identified as the victim in the deadly shooting attack that took place earlier today at the Gush Etzion Junction. His funeral will be held this evening at the cemetery in Kiryat Arba.
The funeral procession will depart at 9:00 p.m. from the funeral home in the industrial zone to the ancient cemetery in Kiryat Arba.
Details of the Attack
Earlier today, a deadly terror attack occurred near the Rami Levy shopping complex at the Gush Etzion Junction.
According to the IDF spokesperson and other reports, two terrorists arrived at the scene and carried out a combined shooting and stabbing attack. Initial findings suggest the terrorists arrived in a stolen vehicle, entered the store, and ambushed Zvuluny. They stabbed him multiple times, stole his weapon, and opened fire on bystanders.
Aftermath and Security Response
IDF troops and other security personnel responded swiftly, shooting and killing both terrorists on site. Magen David Adom (MDA) medics provided emergency treatment, but were forced to declare the young man dead due to critical injuries.
Right wing commentator and TV host Yinon Magal said, "According to Arab reports, the two terrorists are active members serving in the Palestinian Authority security forces."
Following the attack, the IDF launched area lockdown operations, including sealing off the nearby village of Halhul and restricting access to Hebron and Bethlehem. Security forces have urged the public to avoid the area to allow military operations to proceed effectively.
Kiryat Arba–Hebron released the statement:
"The Town of Kiryat Arba- Hebron bows its head and shares in the sorrow of the Zvulunu and Uzel families following the murder of their son, Shalev Zvuluny of blessed memory, a resident of Kiryat Arba–Hebron.
On behalf of all the residents of the town, we send our heartfelt condolences to the dear family and embrace them with warmth and support in this difficult time.
The time of the funeral and mourning will be announced later.
“May the Almighty comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Statement from Kiryat Arba-Hebron Regional Council Head Yisrael Bramson:
Today, the community of Kiryat Arba-Hebron mourns with deep sorrow the brutal murder of Shalev Zvuluny z”l, a beloved son of our town, who was murdered by vile terrorists. This is a painful moment for his family, for the City of the Patriarchs, and for the entire people of Israel.
We embrace his father Shai, his mother Michal, and the entire Zvuluny family, standing beside them during these difficult hours.
From this place of pain and grief, our response must be clear: to build and to grow stronger. I call on the Government of Israel to immediately announce the establishment of a new neighborhood in Kiryat Arba–Hebron, a fitting Jewish response to this despicable act of terror.
Additionally, I call on the IDF to take all necessary security measures to prevent the next attack. It is unacceptable that vehicles are allowed to leave nearby villages without thorough inspection.
We will do everything in our power to continue building, expanding, and strengthening the City of the Patriarchs, with steadfast faith in the justice of our cause.
Terror must be uprooted with a strong hand, through expulsions and settlement!"
In a chilling coincidence, Ari Fuld was stabbed to death by a Palestinian on 16 September 2018, in exactly the same place. His killer has since been released in hostage for prisoners swap.