Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered security forces to prepare for a full lockdown of the occupied West Bank following a shooting incident near Hebron. Israeli soldiers shot down two Palestinian men who the military said were suspected attackers, and five people were wounded in the attack.
According to news reports, the violence occurred near Yehuda Junction in the Hebron neighbourhood. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said two armed men approached a military checkpoint in a car and opened fire on soldiers who tried to stop and search them, the military said. The military said the suspects were carrying an M16 rifle, a handgun and ammunition. The situation is under investigation and the information reported is based on Israeli authorities' statements.
The shooting has left five people injured, some of whom have serious or critical injuries, and some of them have been evacuated to Israeli hospitals for treatment, the Associated Press reported. Israeli officials said the soldiers’ response prevented a more serious attack, but the government has not publicly revealed all of the suspects’ intended targets.
After the incident, Netanyahu conducted an assessment with security officials and ordered the immediate cordon of Hebron. He also instructed security forces to prepare for a full closure of the West Bank. The Times of Israel reported that the meeting included Defence Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet chief David Zini and other top security officials. Israeli forces were stepping up operations and conducting arrests to prevent further attacks, he said.
The Israeli government has also linked its security response to Hamas. Netanyahu accused Hamas of planning a major attack, but the Associated Press report said there was no evidence to support his charge. Israeli authorities have said they will pursue those they believe are behind attacks, and the wider security operation involves searches, arrests and restrictions on movement in and around Hebron. Israeli officials’ allegations against Hamas and the suspects should be seen as statements by Israeli officials and not as independently established findings.
The closure in the West Bank is coming as Israel has been getting ready for the October 27 election. Israeli troops are installing roadblocks and restrictions in the Hebron area and preparing for tighter control of movement. The Times of Israel said the West Bank and Gaza were expected to be locked down on Monday and Tuesday in advance of the election. So it would add to the restrictions on the movement of Palestinian people between cities, to work, and to get basic services.
The shooting has raised new concerns about security and movement in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations and restrictions have repeatedly impacted Palestinian communities. A full closure could disrupt daily life, including transportation, business operations and access to medical care.
As of Friday, Israeli officials had ordered Hebron’s immediate cordon and preparations for a larger West Bank lockdown. The situation was still under review and military operations and arrests were reported. There’s no confirmed end time for the planned closure, and more details about the shooting, the injured and the suspects’ alleged plans are expected as the investigation continues.
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