PM and Defense Minister Katz outline added forces, fresh checkpoints, and wider counterterrorism steps - Shooting incident came after clash with hikers, locals, and troops

(From R-L) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Council head Shmuel Ben-Ezra, military secretary Maj.-Gen. Guy Markizeno, IDF chief Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF Intelligence head Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Shin Bet head David Zini consult, July 24, 2026.

(photo credit: KOBI GIDEON/PMO)

ByAVI ASHKENAZI , JERUSALEM POST STAFF

JULY 24, 2026 16:09

Updated: JULY 24, 2026 17:24

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday directed a broad security operation throughout the West Bank, including more troop placements, additional checkpoints, and expanded counterterrorism efforts, after two Israelis died in a shooting near Gilad Farm.

The IDF reported that Israeli civilians had entered Palestinian Authority territory without permission during a hike, sparking a clash with residents. Palestinians threw stones and one fired shots, according to the military.

The victims were identified as 32-year-old Master Sergeant (Res.) Benayahu Melet, part of Gilad Farm's emergency team who responded to help the hikers, and 27-year-old IDF Maj. Yuval Ezra, who commanded an artillery battery.

After the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a security review to shape Israel's reply, the Prime Minister's Office stated.

"We will respond firmly to terrorists and their supporters, and we will prevent terrorism in Judea and Samaria from gaining ground," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu and Katz then listed five quick actions: destroying the attacker's home; widening counterterrorism work in villages known as terror centers, such as seizing arms and canceling work permits; boosting IDF presence in the West Bank; setting up more checkpoints; and speeding up approval for current farms plus new ones.

The pair also emphasized that security units must operate without restrictions and with complete authority against threats.

Shin Bet chief cautions Israelis against independent retaliation

Shin Bet Director David Zini went to the site and led a review with agency and IDF leaders, calling the attack serious and distressing.

"We are working nonstop, side by side with Central Command and division leaders, as well as IDF officers and troops, to stop terrorism in the area," Zini said.

He also asked Israelis to avoid acting on their own after the local clashes.

"I urge the public not to act outside the law and to rely on the IDF and the Shin Bet, whose role is to safeguard them," he said.

James Genn contributed to this report.