JERUSALEM, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday it was preparing an "extensive" operation in the West Bank following a deadly incident near the Palestinian village of Tell.
The IDF said in a statement its troops were preparing for an "extensive counterterrorism operational activity" in the area, adding that soldiers' weekend leave had been suspended and additional forces deployed across the sector.
Earlier in the day, the IDF said Palestinians attacked a group of Israeli hikers near Tell. The attackers seized the weapon of a member of the security forces at the scene and opened fire, according to the military. One Israeli was killed in the incident.
Meanwhile, Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported that four Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces during an attack by Israeli settlers on the village.
The IDF said it was reinforcing security ahead of the funeral of the Israeli victim to prevent confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians.
According to Palestinian media reports, at least two incidents involving Israeli settlers entering Palestinian towns were reported after the clash, leaving at least two Palestinians injured. ■
