Israel Orders West Bank Shutdown After Soldiers Kill Two Near Hebron
The military says two armed men launched an attack, prompting a fourth territory-wide closure in a month as Israeli voters prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday.
By John Ferrari ·
Five people were wounded, some critically, when Israeli soldiers killed two men near Hebron on Friday morning. The deaths and injuries occurred during what the military described as a terror attack against civilians. The identities of the deceased and the injured have not been released. The incident triggered an immediate security response across the occupied territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full closure of the West Bank shortly after the shooting. The order required security forces to cordon off Hebron and restrict movement across the region. This marks the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed such restrictions. Gates and checkpoints linking Palestinian villages to major roads were shut. Israeli drivers, including settlers, could still use roads in the West Bank, though delays were expected.
The army stated that its troops stopped the attack by the two gunmen. The military said the men were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. Officials did not specify the intended target of the assault. Emergency responders reported that gunfire was still active when they arrived at the scene near Yehuda Junction. Tzuriel Edri of the response team described the arrival as a difficult scene. Five victims were transported to hospitals in Israel. Two men in their 20s sustained gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. Another victim was found unconscious and seriously injured.
Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of the Security Cabinet with military and security agency leaders. He attributed the plot to Hamas, claiming the group was planning a major attack to kill innocent civilians. The prime minister praised the troops for thwarting the attack with courage and determination. He did not provide details on the specific plot. He also expressed hope for a speedy recovery for the wounded without clarifying their status as soldiers or civilians.
The closure occurs days before Israeli voters decide on Tuesday whether to retain Netanyahu or move toward a new political era. The election takes place three years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which started the war in Gaza. The government has warned that enemies may attempt to strike before the vote. Netanyahu previously suggested Hamas might target Israel to influence the election result, though he offered no evidence for that claim.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the incident to argue for stricter limits on Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of residents, settlers, soldiers, and police in Judea and Samaria were far more important than freedom of movement. The minister used the Israeli term for the territory in his remarks. His comments reflect the far-right position on control of the West Bank.
Following the shooting, Israeli forces conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. These actions were carried out with security and intelligence services. Dozens of people were detained during the sweep. The group included individuals linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also reported finding weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns. An investigation into the shooting was ongoing as of the announcement.
The frequency of these closures has increased over the last month. Each restriction involves shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian communities to main thoroughfares. The latest order aims to secure the territory before the election. The military and police maintain a heavy presence in the area. The situation remains tense as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
