Israeli Civilian Killed, Three Wounded in West Bank Car-Ramming and Stabbing Attack

Deadly Attack at Gush Etzion Junction

An Israeli civilian was killed and three other individuals were wounded in a combined car-ramming and stabbing attack that occurred on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Gush Etzion Junction in the West Bank. The victim was identified as Aharon Cohen, 71, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba near Hebron. Two Palestinian assailants were subsequently shot and killed by Israeli security forces at the scene.

Details of the Incident

According to initial reports, the attack began when two Palestinian assailants accelerated their vehicle into a crowd of people at the Gush Etzion Junction, a significant crossroads and traffic hub located south of Jerusalem on the main road to Hebron. Following the car-ramming attempt, one of the attackers exited the vehicle and proceeded to stab several victims. Security forces and reservists present at the scene quickly responded, opening fire and neutralizing both attackers.

The victim, Aharon Cohen, sustained fatal stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other individuals were injured in the attack: a woman, aged between 40 and 55, was seriously wounded, reportedly suffering a gunshot wound to her lower body, which some media suggested might have been from Israeli security forces' fire aimed at the assailants. Additionally, a man in his 30s and a 15-year-old boy sustained moderate injuries. The wounded were transported to Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem for treatment.

Attackers Identified and Aftermath

The two Palestinian attackers were identified by Palestinian officials as Imran al-Atrash (also referred to as Ibrahim Imran al-Atrash) from Hebron and Walid Sabarneh (also Walid Muhammad Khalil Sabarneh or Walid Sabbarna) from the nearby town of Beit Ummar, both 18 years old. Following the incident, explosive devices were discovered inside the attackers' vehicle and were subsequently disarmed by Border Police sappers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) cordoned off the area, establishing roadblocks and conducting searches in nearby Palestinian villages.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir commended the reservist troops for their swift response, stating they 'demonstrated their willingness to stand on the front line.' Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, praised the attack, with Hamas calling it 'a natural response to the occupation's attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause.' Yaron Rosental, head of the Gush Etzion regional council, vowed that residents 'together with the army, will make the terrorists and all their community pay a very high price.'

Broader Context of Regional Tensions

This attack occurred amidst heightened tensions in the West Bank, following a recent spate of settler violence against Palestinians. It also took place a day after the UN Security Council endorsed a plan for securing and governing Gaza. The Gush Etzion Junction has been the site of numerous attacks against Israelis in recent years.