Calls The Attack On The West Bank 'War Action', Israeli Defense Minister Katz: Will Be Replied Partially

Israeli Defense Minister Katz visited the location of the attack in the West Bank (Source Ariel Hermoni Defense Ministry)

JAKARTA - Israeli Defense Minister Katz confirmed Israel would retaliate against Monday's attack on the West Bank which he called an act of war while visiting the site of the attack on Tuesday.

Two old women and an off-duty police officer were killed, while at least eight other Israelis were injured in an attack with gunfire on a vehicle in Palestinian Village al-Funduq yesterday.

The village is along the main road that thousands of Israelis and Palestinian drivers pass through every day.

"The heinous and deadly terror attack that took place here yesterday was an act of war for all intents and purposes, and it will be rewarded accordingly," Katz said in a statement given by his office.

"We will attack terrorists and those who send them, and we will act decisively against terrorist places of origin," he stressed.

During his visit, Katz met and thanked Ami Barber, a civilian who opened fire on the terrorists yesterday, causing them to flee and possibly preventing more casualties.

He also conducted an assessment of the situation with senior officers, telling reporters he had ordered to strengthen troops in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, government officials from the far right and settlers' leaders have called for military action in the West Bank that resembles the situation in Gaza, where the IDF has evacuated and destroyed the entire city that has been a terror stronghold.

As previously reported, three Israelis were killed and eight others injured in shooting attacks on cars and buses near the city of Kedumim, Israel's occupied West Bank.

Israeli Army radio said the military imposed guard on all villages in the region to search for suspects, who are believed to have fled to nearby villages in Palestine.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would drag all the perpetrators and supporters of the shooting in the West Bank that killed three Israelis as the country's military hunt down the perpetrators.

Condolences to the victim's family, PM Netanyahu promised to hunt down the perpetrators.

"We will reach out to heinous killers and take them to court, along with everyone who helps them," he said.

"No one will escape," he said.