Heroic Response and Heightened Tensions: Gush Etzion Terror Attack Claims Young Life
In a harrowing scene on Thursday afternoon at the Rami Levi shopping complex near the Gush Etzion Junction, 22-year-old Shalev Zevuloni was tragically murdered in a terrorist attack that involved both stabbing and shooting.
An Israeli civilian identified only as G., a municipal inspector from Beit Shemesh, played a key role in swiftly neutralizing one of the attackers. Recalling the moment the assault began, G. said he was waiting at the supermarket checkout when gunshots rang out.
“Someone burst into the store shouting that there were terrorists outside,” G. recounted. “I dropped everything and ran out immediately, joined by a soldier in civilian clothes. At first, we couldn’t pinpoint where the shots were coming from, but we finally spotted the terrorists hiding behind a vehicle and opened fire. We neutralized them before more harm could be done.”
Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed the chaos and fear that swept through the complex. Ilan, another civilian, told Channel 12:
“It was a terrifying shootout from all directions. The terrorists targeted a community security guard. Fortunately, it didn’t end even worse.”
Meir Mizrahi, also on the scene, voiced concern about the intensity of the incident:
“I heard five shots, then silence. When I arrived, I feared there could be friendly fire—it was a real battlefield.”
Details of the Attack Emerge
Initial investigations reveal that the two terrorists arrived in a stolen vehicle and loitered for 40 minutes searching for parking. Their intention was to enter the supermarket and open fire on civilians, but they were blocked by a locked door.
The terrorists then turned their focus to the security guard stationed outside. They stabbed him, stole his weapon, and shot him at close range—with confirmation that he was killed by their fire, not by Israeli responders.
A video later released showed the terrorists attempting to conceal themselves behind a parked vehicle while continuing their assault, before being eliminated by G. and the accompanying soldier.
Commendation and Resolve
District Commander Major General Moshe Pinchi personally thanked G. for his decisive action:
“Thanks to your vigilance and courage, the situation was contained quickly. Your actions prevented an even greater tragedy.”
Gush Etzion Regional Council Head Yaron Rosenthal condemned the attack as “a vile act of murder by those who only know destruction.” He vowed that the region would not be broken:
“We remain rooted at Gush Etzion Junction—this is where our story began, and this is where we will continue to grow. With God’s help and the support of the state and the IDF, Gush Etzion will thrive. This is our answer to terror.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reached out to Rosenthal, expressing his and Sara Netanyahu’s personal condolences to the Zevuloni family, and wishing a full recovery to the injured. He praised the rapid and heroic actions of civilians and security forces, declaring:
“We will not allow terrorism in Judea and Samaria to rear its head.”
Policy Calls in Wake of the Attack
In response, the Yesha Council issued a forceful statement urging the Israeli government to rethink its current approach:
In a harrowing scene on Thursday afternoon at the Rami Levi shopping complex near the Gush Etzion Junction, 22-year-old Shalev Zevuloni was tragically murdered in a terrorist attack that involved both stabbing and shooting.
An Israeli civilian identified only as G., a municipal inspector from Beit Shemesh, played a key role in swiftly neutralizing one of the attackers. Recalling the moment the assault began, G. said he was waiting at the supermarket checkout when gunshots rang out.
“Someone burst into the store shouting that there were terrorists outside,” G. recounted. “I dropped everything and ran out immediately, joined by a soldier in civilian clothes. At first, we couldn’t pinpoint where the shots were coming from, but we finally spotted the terrorists hiding behind a vehicle and opened fire. We neutralized them before more harm could be done.”
Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed the chaos and fear that swept through the complex. Ilan, another civilian, told Channel 12:
“It was a terrifying shootout from all directions. The terrorists targeted a community security guard. Fortunately, it didn’t end even worse.”
Meir Mizrahi, also on the scene, voiced concern about the intensity of the incident:
“I heard five shots, then silence. When I arrived, I feared there could be friendly fire—it was a real battlefield.”
Details of the Attack Emerge
Initial investigations reveal that the two terrorists arrived in a stolen vehicle and loitered for 40 minutes searching for parking. Their intention was to enter the supermarket and open fire on civilians, but they were blocked by a locked door.
The terrorists then turned their focus to the security guard stationed outside. They stabbed him, stole his weapon, and shot him at close range—with confirmation that he was killed by their fire, not by Israeli responders.
A video later released showed the terrorists attempting to conceal themselves behind a parked vehicle while continuing their assault, before being eliminated by G. and the accompanying soldier.
Commendation and Resolve
District Commander Major General Moshe Pinchi personally thanked G. for his decisive action:
“Thanks to your vigilance and courage, the situation was contained quickly. Your actions prevented an even greater tragedy.”
Gush Etzion Regional Council Head Yaron Rosenthal condemned the attack as “a vile act of murder by those who only know destruction.” He vowed that the region would not be broken:
“We remain rooted at Gush Etzion Junction—this is where our story began, and this is where we will continue to grow. With God’s help and the support of the state and the IDF, Gush Etzion will thrive. This is our answer to terror.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reached out to Rosenthal, expressing his and Sara Netanyahu’s personal condolences to the Zevuloni family, and wishing a full recovery to the injured. He praised the rapid and heroic actions of civilians and security forces, declaring:
“We will not allow terrorism in Judea and Samaria to rear its head.”
Policy Calls in Wake of the Attack
In response, the Yesha Council issued a forceful statement urging the Israeli government to rethink its current approach:
“Judea and Samaria remain the only front without a decisive shift since October 7. The persistent violence is a symptom of failed policies dating back to the Oslo Accords. It is time to abandon tactical responses and implement a strategic change—one that includes applying full Israeli sovereignty and launching broad military operations to defeat Arab terrorism.”
