Hebron Shootout Triggers Latest West Bank Closure

Israeli soldiers killed two men near Hebron on Friday morning, triggering the fourth full closure of the West Bank in the past month. The military reported that the two men were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. At least five other people were wounded, with some injuries described as critical. Authorities have not released the names of the dead or the injured.

The army stated that its troops stopped a terror attack against Israeli civilians. However, the military did not specify the intended target of the gunmen. This incident occurred days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The election will determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retains his position or if the country shifts to a new political leadership.

Hours after the shooting, Netanyahu's office announced that security forces would cordon off Hebron immediately. The order included preparation for a full closure of the West Bank starting that same Friday. This marks the fourth time in 30 days that Israel has imposed such restrictions on the territory.

Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and heads of military and security agencies. He attributed the incident to Hamas, claiming the group planned a major attack to kill innocent civilians. The prime minister praised the troops for thwarting the attack with courage. He did not provide specific details on the plot or identify the wounded as soldiers or civilians.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the incident to argue for stricter limits on Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of residents in Judea and Samaria, along with soldiers and police, are far more important than freedom of movement. Ben-Gvir used the Israeli term for the territory in his remarks. He is a far-right figure known for holding extremist views.

Emergency responders transported five people to hospitals in Israel. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, said the team arrived at the scene near Yehuda Junction while gunfire was still active. Two men in their 20s suffered gunshot wounds to their lower legs. A third victim was unconscious and seriously hurt. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Following the incident, Israeli soldiers conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. These operations were carried out alongside security and intelligence services. Troops detained dozens of individuals, including those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The military also reported finding weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns.

Netanyahu had warned ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks that Hamas might strike Israel to influence the election results. He offered no evidence for this claim. The current closure shuts gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads. Israeli roads in the West Bank remain open to Israeli drivers and settlers, though they may face delays.

The frequency of these closures has increased over the past month. Each closure halts the flow of people and goods through key border points. The military continues to monitor the situation near Hebron. The next election is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The outcome will determine the future direction of the country's leadership.