In the early hours of Friday, Israeli soldiers engaged a pair of gunmen near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, killing both men. The army said the suspects had launched an attack and were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. Five people were wounded, some critically, and were taken to Israeli hospitals for treatment.
Government response and security measures
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of his Security Cabinet shortly after the incident. He blamed Hamas for planning a major assault aimed at murdering innocent civilians and praised the soldiers for thwarting the attack with “courage and determination.” Netanyahu also ordered the immediate cordoning of Hebron and instructed security forces to prepare a full closure of the West Bank, beginning Friday.
National security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, known for his hard‑line stance, echoed the call for tighter movement restrictions, stating that the lives of settlers, soldiers, police officers and residents of Judea and Samaria are far more important than freedom of movement for Palestinians.
Context of the upcoming election
The shooting comes just days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday to decide whether Netanyahu will secure another term as prime minister. The election follows three years after the Hamas‑led attacks of October 7, 2023, which sparked a war in Gaza and heightened security concerns across the country.
Israel’s government has warned of potential attacks by its “enemies” in the lead‑up to the vote, and officials have emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to protect civilians and maintain public order.
On‑the‑ground details
Emergency responders reported that gunfire was still ongoing when they arrived at the scene near the Yehuda Junction. Two men in their twenties suffered gunshot wounds to their lower limbs; one was unconscious and seriously injured. Responders noted the difficulty of the situation, with ongoing shooting complicating rescue efforts.
In the hours following the incident, the Israeli army announced dozens of operations throughout the West Bank, resulting in the apprehension of numerous individuals linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Security forces also reported locating additional weapons, including M16 rifles and sub‑machine guns.
Impact on daily life
While the closure order targets Palestinian movement, Israeli roads in the West Bank remain open to Israeli drivers, including settlers, though they may experience delays at checkpoints. This marks the fourth restriction of its kind imposed in the past month, reflecting a broader pattern of tightening security measures in the territory.
Authorities said an investigation into the Friday shooting is ongoing, and they will continue to assess security needs as the election approaches.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
