Israeli Man Shot Dead Near West Bank Spring As IDF Launches Manhunt

An Israeli man was shot dead at a natural spring near the West Bank settlement of Neve Tzuf, also known as Halamish, on Sunday, hours before the Yom Kippur holiday, in an attack that triggered a major Israeli manhunt. The shooting came as violence and security tensions continued to rise across the occupied West Bank.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was initially critically wounded after a Palestinian gunman opened fire on Israelis in the spring and fled. Police later said the man died at a hospital from his injuries. Israeli security forces and IDF troops launched a pursuit, established roadblocks and carried out searches in the area for the suspected attacker.

According to Israel's Benjamin Regional Council chief Israel Ganz, the Israelis at the spring had been immersing themselves in its waters ahead of the Yom Kippur fast, a traditional practice before the Day of Atonement.

The shooting followed a large Israeli military operation in Al Mughayyir in the northern West Bank. Palestinian officials said at least 28 people were detained during the operation.

In a separate incident near Jenin, the Israeli military said troops killed a Palestinian man who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers with a vehicle. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said security forces would receive reinforcements in the West Bank and ordered closures and arrests following the attacks. He also ordered the demolition of the home of the man killed after the alleged attempted ramming.

The violence unfolded as Israel prepared for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Meanwhile, regional tensions have intensified after Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh on Saturday. Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted the missile. Residents reported explosions and smoke near King Khalid International Airport, but there were no reported casualties or damage from the intercepted missile.

Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait condemned the Houthi attack, describing it as a threat to regional security and a violation of international law. The Muslim World League also condemned attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The wider escalation has also prompted a US security alert across the Middle East, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions amid the fighting between the Houthis and Saudi led forces.

The latest developments add to growing concerns that violence across multiple Middle East fronts could further disrupt regional security and travel.