Gunman Kills Reservist in Central Israel, Wounds Five Before Being Shot Dead

A Palestinian citizen of Israel carried out a deadly shooting spree across several communities in central Israel on Sunday, killing an Israeli reservist and wounding five others before being shot dead by security forces. The attacks, which unfolded near the boundary with the occupied West Bank , came amid escalating violence in the region and heightened security concerns across Israel.

Israeli authorities identified the attacker as Omar Yassin , 21, from the Arab city of Tayibe. According to police, he carried out a series of drive-by shootings at multiple locations, including a gas station near Kochav Yair and the communities of Tzur Yitzhak and Tzur Natan. Investigators later recovered the weapon, believed to be a homemade Carlo-type submachine gun, and the vehicle used in the attack.

The victim was identified as Haim Kalomiti , 55, a reservist soldier, father of three and member of Tzur Natan's civil defence squad . Israeli officials said Kalomiti confronted the gunman while attempting to protect residents and was fatally shot. Five other people were injured, including two who sustained serious wounds.

The shootings triggered widespread alarm, with authorities fearing a coordinated terrorist assault. Residents were ordered to remain indoors, schools were placed under lockdown and security forces launched a large-scale manhunt involving police, military units and helicopters. The gunman was eventually located and killed.

A suspected accomplice believed to have driven the attacker between shooting sites was arrested later. Police said the man allegedly made incriminating statements and attempted to attack officers with a glass bottle while in custody. Members of his family were also questioned as part of the investigation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack and praised security personnel. Hamas welcomed the shooting but stopped short of claiming responsibility. The military subsequently reinforced security around nearby communities and settlements.

The attack occurred against a backdrop of increasing unrest in the West Bank following recent settler violence and Palestinian casualties. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes killed at least nine people on Sunday. Israel also announced the closure of Gaza crossings following a deteriorating security situation linked to Iranian missile launches.

Netanyahu said Israeli forces now control more than 60 per cent of Gaza and aim to expand that figure, while insisting Hamas would not be allowed to rearm. Efforts to revive ceasefire efforts remain stalled over disagreements on Hamas' future role and disarmament.