Israel Seals West Bank After Soldiers Kill Two Men Near Hebron

Israeli soldiers shot and killed two men near Hebron on Friday morning, triggering the fourth full closure of the West Bank in the past month. The military stated the pair had launched an attack against civilians, resulting in at least five injuries, some of them critical. The identities of the deceased and the wounded have not been released to the public.

The army reported that the two gunmen were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. It did not specify the intended target of the assault. Within hours of the shooting, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces to cordon off Hebron and prepare a full shutdown of the entire West Bank, effective immediately on Friday.

The incident occurred just days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday to determine the next government. This election takes place three years after the Hamas-led attacks that started the war in Gaza. The government has warned that potential enemies may attempt strikes in the period leading up to the vote.

Following the shootout, Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and top military and security leaders. He attributed the incident to Hamas, claiming the group was planning a major attack on innocent civilians. He praised the troops for thwarting the plot with courage and determination, though he provided no specific details on the plot's scope. He also wished the wounded a speedy recovery without clarifying whether they were soldiers or civilians.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the incident to argue for tighter controls on Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of residents in Judea and Samaria, including settlers, soldiers, and police, were far more important than freedom of movement. He used the Israeli designation for the territory in his remarks.

Emergency responders transported five people to hospitals in Israel after arriving at the scene near Yehuda Junction. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, noted that gunfire was still ongoing when they reached the area. He reported that two men in their 20s had gunshot wounds to their lower limbs, while another victim was unconscious and seriously injured. Authorities said an investigation into the shooting was ongoing.

On Friday, the army reported that soldiers working with security and intelligence services conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank. These actions resulted in the detention of dozens of individuals, including those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also seized weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns.

This is the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed territory-wide restrictions, shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads. Israeli roads within the West Bank remain open to Israeli drivers, including settlers, though they may face delays.