Gut Vuch & Shavuah Tov to all!

The IDF has intensified counterterrorism operations across Judea and Samaria following Friday’s deadly shooting attack, with senior military commanders saying the soldiers involved may have prevented an even larger assault against Israeli civilians.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the scene and held a security assessment with military commanders, Border Police and Shin Bet representatives. He said the initial investigation indicated that troops from the Ari Battalion had prevented a potentially serious attack, while acknowledging the painful outcome of the confrontation. Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth also praised the soldiers’ actions and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Zamir said the military had reinforced the region ahead of a possible escalation, including deploying the headquarters of the 98th Division and additional forces. He ordered an investigation into the incident and vowed to pursue those responsible, while emphasizing that the IDF remains on heightened alert across all fronts.

Following the shooting, security forces launched targeted operations in the Chevron area, where the attackers originated. Troops are searching for weapons and terrorist infrastructure, questioning suspects and conducting raids intended to prevent additional attacks. The military said the operation would focus on the relevant area and could continue for several days, with designated exit points established for residents subject to security screening.

The broader campaign has extended across Judea and Samaria. According to the IDF, soldiers, Border Police and Shin Bet personnel operated in approximately 40 areas and 400 locations over the weekend, arresting around 40 suspects in operations that included individuals affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as people suspected of incitement and violent activity.

In the Chevron area, approximately 20 suspects were apprehended. In the Etzion region, troops searched more than 70 locations across over 10 areas, targeting suspected explosive-device activity and terrorist networks. Other operations included arrests connected to an attack near Burin, the discovery of a hunting rifle near Silat al-Dhahr, weapons searches and the removal of memorials honoring terrorists involved in attacks against Israelis.

Approximately 70 arrests during intelligence-led operations, along with the seizure of dozens of weapons, including M16 rifles and Carlo submachine guns, and four explosive devices.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli intelligence indicated that Iran could launch an attack before the upcoming elections, adding to concerns over the possibility of a broader regional escalation. The statement comes as the IDF maintains heightened readiness amid threats on multiple fronts.

In France, meanwhile, demonstrations also descended into violence over the weekend. Paris saw clashes between protesters and riot police, with fireworks and tear gas reported as officers moved to disperse crowds and make arrests. French officials reported nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide on Saturday, following demonstrations that had drawn approximately 110,000 people.

JUST IN: Police unleash tear gas and water cannons as massive protests sweep across France, with demonstrators flooding the streets over soaring living costs, rising fuel prices and underfunded schools.

More than 100 people have been arrested as authorities deploy 70,000 police officers and military backup across Paris and other major cities.

Major landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, are closed, while businesses board up their storefronts ahead of further unrest.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates: https://t.co/qwT2eyHaWy

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 24, 2026

🚨🇫🇷War on the streets of Marseille, Paris, Lyon, Nantes and all major French cities!

Protesters are firing projectiles at police and pelting them with rocks.

A large number of protesters and police officers have been injured. https://t.co/AHD6fHnzwj

— Mario ZNA (@MarioBojic) October 24, 2026