Israel News for 2-22-2024

News Update

This morning, 3 terrorists with automatic weapons opened fire on vehicles in traffic, on Highway 1 towards Jerusalem, near the Maaleh Adumim checkpoint. One person was killed and 5 others wounded, including a pregnant woman. The man killed was Matan Elmaleh, 26 years old, a resident of the city of Ma’ale Adumim.  A reserve soldier back home from 4 months in Gaza, Hanania Ben-Shimon, 23, and security forces neutralized all of the terrorists, wounding them. Ben-Shimon was wounded in the gunfight. For more, click here. 

Speaking at the scene of the attack, National Security Minister Iramar Ben Gvir  said the shooting was further proof of the need to arm the Israeli population and limit freedom of movement for Palestinians in the West Bank. Ben Gvir also said that he is seeking to impose restrictions on access to prayers at the Al-Aqsa compound atop the Temple Mount for Muslims during Ramadan.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded approval of a plan for thousands of new housing units in Ma’ale Adumim and nearby settlements in response to the deadly shooting.

The Arrow long-range air defense system intercepted a hostile projectile heading towards Eilat, over the Red Sea.

For a complete list of the soldiers killed in the ground offensive, click here.