West Bank Lockdown: Fourth Closure in a Month Follows Hebron Shootout

Friday morning brought a sudden halt to daily life near the city of Hebron.

Israeli soldiers shot and killed two men after the military stated the pair launched an attack against civilians. At least five people sustained injuries during the confrontation, with some reported to be in critical condition. The army has not released the names of the deceased or the wounded. According to the military, the gunmen possessed an M16 rifle and a handgun. Officials did not specify the intended target of the assault.

Hours after the shooting, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued orders to security forces. They were instructed to cordon off Hebron immediately and prepare for a full closure of the entire West Bank. This action marks the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed such restrictions. Gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads have been shut. While Israeli roads within the West Bank remain open to drivers, including settlers, those travelers may encounter delays.

The incident occurred days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The election will determine whether Netanyahu receives another term or if the country shifts into a new political era. This vote takes place three years after the Hamas-led attacks that triggered the war in Gaza. The government has warned that adversaries may attempt strikes in the period leading up to the election. Netanyahu had previously suggested that Hamas might target Israel to influence the election results, though he provided no evidence for that claim.

Following the shooting, Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and leaders of the main military and security agencies. He attributed the plot to Hamas, stating the group was planning a major attack aimed at killing innocent civilians. The Prime Minister praised the troops for thwarting the attack with courage and determination. He did not provide specific details about the plot. He also extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded, without clarifying if they were soldiers or civilians.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir weighed in earlier in the day. The far-right minister, known for extremist views, argued that the attack justified limiting Palestinian freedom of movement. He stated that the lives of residents in Judea and Samaria, settlers, soldiers, police officers, and fighters are a million times more important than freedom of movement. He used the Israeli term for the territory in his remarks.

Emergency responders transported five people to hospitals in Israel. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, described the scene at Yehuda Junction. He noted that gunfire was still ongoing when responders arrived. Two men in their 20s suffered gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. A third victim was unconscious and seriously hurt. Edri said, "We arrived at a difficult scene while shooting was still taking place in the area." Authorities are currently conducting an investigation.

The army reported that its soldiers, working with security and intelligence services, carried out dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. These operations resulted in the detention of dozens of people, including individuals linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also discovered weapons at the sites, including M16 rifles and submachine guns.