4th West Bank Closure in 30 Days Follows Fatal Hebron Shooting
Israel sealed off the territory after soldiers killed two gunmen near Hebron, days before national elections.
By Thomas Reynolds ·
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 attempted an attack against civilians. At least five people were wounded in the incident, with some sustaining critical injuries. The identities of the dead and injured have not been released.
The army described the event as a thwarted terror attack. It reported that the two gunmen carried an M16 rifle and a handgun. The military did not specify the intended target. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office ordered security forces to cordon off Hebron immediately. A full closure of the West Bank began on Friday.
The shooting occurred just days before Israeli voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The election will determine whether Netanyahu receives another term. The vote takes place three years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The government warned that enemies may attempt strikes before the election.
Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and military leaders. He blamed Hamas for the incident, claiming the group planned a major attack to kill innocent civilians. He praised troops for acting with courage and determination. He did not provide details on the specific plot. He also wished the wounded a speedy recovery without identifying them as soldiers or civilians.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued that the event justified limiting Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of settlers, soldiers, and police officers are far more important than freedom of movement. He used the term Judea and Samaria to refer to the territory.
Emergency responders treated five people at hospitals in Israel. Tzuriel Edri of the response team said shooting was still occurring when they arrived near Yehuda Junction. Two men in their 20s had gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. A third victim was unconscious and seriously hurt. An investigation is ongoing.
Israeli forces conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. Working with intelligence services, they detained dozens of people. Some detainees were linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also seized M16 rifles and submachine guns.
Israeli roads in the West Bank remain open to Israeli drivers. Settlers may face delays. This is the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed restrictions. The closures shut gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads.
Source: NPR
