At least two Palestinian militants attempted to carry out coordinated car bomb attacks in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank on August 30. The attacks, which targeted Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) settlements, are consistent with recent threats from Hamas against Israeli settlers in the West Bank, although no group has yet claimed responsibility.
According to an initial IDF investigation, the militants departed from the Hebron area with plans to execute the attacks in two separate locations. One fighter detonated a car bomb at a gas station in the Gush Etzion junction and fired at IDF forces who arrived at the scene before being shot and killed.
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The second militant attempted to run over a security guard at the entrance to the Karmei Tzur settlement, leading to a car chase. An explosive device in the militant’s vehicle detonated during the exchange of fire, and IDF forces shot and killed the second fighter.
Israeli media reported that the car bombs were packed with makeshift explosive devices, nails, and screws. An IDF probe indicated that both bombs originated from the same explosives laboratory in Hebron, which was located and destroyed by the IDF on August 31. During the attacks, three Israelis were inadvertently injured.
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Israeli forces have detained six Palestinians suspected of involvement in the Gush Etzion attack. Various Palestinian militias in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have praised the attempted bombings. Israeli security officials believe a terrorist cell in Hebron may be planning further attacks using similar tactics, aligning with recent Hamas threats to target Israeli settlers and troops in the West Bank.
These incidents follow four consecutive days of significant IDF military operations in the West Bank, during which Palestinian militias, including Hamas, have repeatedly called on West Bank residents to attack Israelis.
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