Israeli killed in West Bank shooting, IDF launches crackdown

An Israeli civilian, Benayahu Mellet, 32, was killed in a shooting in the West Bank on July 24, 2026. Four Palestinians also died in the clash, and at least six people were wounded. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) canceled weekend leave for troops in the area and launched a manhunt for the Palestinian gunmen. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed a firm response, while Finance Minister Smotrich called for Israel to take full control of the area. The IDF also found that Israeli settlers had entered an off-limits zone without coordination before the deadly clash.