4th West Bank Closure in 30 Days Ordered After Hebron Shootout
Israeli forces killed two armed men near Hebron on Friday, triggering a full territorial shutdown and emergency security meetings ahead of Tuesday's election.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
Israeli soldiers killed two armed men near Hebron on Friday morning, triggering the fourth full closure of the West Bank in the past month.
The army stated that troops stopped an attack on civilians involving two gunmen who carried an M16 rifle and a handgun. At least five people were wounded in the incident, with some injuries described as critical. The military did not identify the intended target of the assault.
Within hours, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office directed security forces to cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full shutdown of the territory. This move comes days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday to decide Netanyahu's next term. The election occurs three years after the October 7, 2023 attacks that began the war in Gaza.
Emergency responders reported that gunfire was still active when they reached the scene near Yehuda Junction. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, said they arrived at a difficult site while shooting continued. Five individuals were transported to hospitals in Israel. Two men in their 20s sustained gunshot wounds to their lower limbs, while a third victim was unconscious and seriously injured.
Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and top security leaders. He attributed the plot to Hamas, claiming the group planned a major attack to kill civilians. He praised the troops for thwarting the attack with courage and determination, though he provided no specific details on the plot. The Prime Minister also wished the wounded a speedy recovery without specifying whether they were military personnel or civilians.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued that the incident justified limiting Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of settlers, soldiers, and police are vastly more important than freedom of movement, using the Israeli term Judea and Samaria for the territory.
Following the shooting, Israeli forces conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank. Security agencies detained dozens of people, including those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also seized weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns. While Israeli roads remain open to drivers and settlers, they may face delays due to the increased security presence.
