Heroic civilian stops Palestinian attackers in Gush Etzion shopping complex

On July 10, 2025, at the Rami Levy shopping complex in Gush Etzion, Israel, two Palestinian Authority police officers, Mahmoud Yosef Aabed and Maalek Ibrahim Salem, conducted a violent attack that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Israeli security guard named Shalev Zevuloni. The assailants, aged 23, approached the location in a stolen vehicle and executed their plan with alarming precision. Prior to the attack, they surveilled the area for around 40 minutes, suggesting that their assault was premeditated and well-coordinated. Armed with knives and a handgun they acquired from Zevuloni after stabbing him multiple times, the attackers aimed to target civilians inside the store. Witnesses reported that the attack occurred shortly after the shopping complex had become crowded, which maximized the potential for casualties. Shalev Zevuloni, despite being fatally injured, showcased remarkable courage during the assault, actively defending himself. Fortunately, the swift intervention of the civilian security chief of the Tekoa settlement and an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier prevented the attackers from causing further harm, effectively neutralizing them on-site. Footage released by the IDF captures the rapid response that secured the scene, highlighting the critical role that quick actions played in limiting the attack's impact. In the wake of this tragic incident, the IDF implemented stringent security measures that included sealing off entrances to nearby cities like Hebron and Bethlehem. Checkpoints were established in Hebron’s city center, and the IDF encircled Halhul, the home of one of the attackers, to assess possible threats and ensure community safety. Israeli authorities expressed concerns regarding the broader implications of the attack, as it marks the 19th deadly Palestinian assault in Judea and Samaria for the year 2025. The increasing frequency of such attacks has become a cause for alarm in the region, particularly following heightened tensions stemming from the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. The Palestinian Authority responded by elevating their alert status to scrutinize their ranks for any potential rogue elements, stating their commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future. The overwhelming reaction on social media recognized the bravery of the security chief and the IDF soldier, with many praising their efforts in saving lives. However, the tragic loss of Shalev Zevuloni reflects the ongoing volatility and escalating security challenges in the region, where tensions remain high due to unresolved conflicts and the recent history of violence between the two groups.