Israel Closes West Bank After Hebron Shootout Kills Two

Israeli forces shot and killed two men on Friday morning near Hebron after the military stated the pair launched an attack on civilians. The incident resulted in at least five wounded individuals, some of whom were critically injured, though officials have not released their names. The army reported that the gunmen carried an M16 rifle and a handgun. It did not specify the intended target of the strike.

A few hours after the shooting, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that security forces would cordon off Hebron immediately. The government then prepared a full closure of the entire West Bank, effective Friday. This is the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed such restrictions, shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads. Israeli drivers and settlers can still use West Bank roads, though they may experience delays.

The engagement took place days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The election will determine whether Netanyahu continues his term or if the country shifts to a new political leadership. The vote occurs three years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which started the war in Gaza. The government has warned that enemies might attempt strikes before the election to influence the outcome.

Following the incident, Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and top military and security leaders. He attributed the plot to Hamas, claiming the group planned a major attack to kill civilians. He described the troops' actions as courageous and said they thwarted the attack, though he provided few details on the specific plan. He also wished the wounded a speedy recovery without confirming if they were soldiers or civilians.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the event to argue for tighter limits on Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of residents, soldiers, and police in the territory were far more important than freedom of movement. Ben-Gvir used the Israeli term Judea and Samaria to refer to the region. Emergency responders reported arriving at the scene near Yehuda Junction while gunfire was still active.

Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, said the team found a difficult scene with ongoing shooting. Five people were transported to hospitals in Israel. Two men in their 20s had gunshot wounds to their lower legs, while a third victim was unconscious and seriously hurt. An investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

On Friday, the army said it conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank in coordination with security and intelligence services. Forces detained dozens of people, including those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also seized weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns.

Netanyahu had previously suggested Hamas might target Israel before the election anniversary to sway voters, though he offered no evidence for that prediction. The current closure halts most cross-border traffic and movement between Palestinian communities and main thoroughfares.