Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an immediate security lockdown around Hebron and preparations for closing the entire West Bank after two Palestinian gunmen allegedly linked to Hamas wounded five people in an attack near the city.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces Friday, Oct. 23, to immediately cordon off the West Bank city of Hebron and prepare for a complete closure of the occupied Palestinian territory following a shooting attack that wounded five people and left two suspected gunmen dead.
The directive followed an emergency security assessment involving Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini and other senior military and intelligence officials.
According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu instructed security forces to begin the lockdown of Hebron immediately while preparing to extend restrictions throughout the West Bank as early as Friday.
The decision came after Israeli soldiers killed two Palestinian gunmen near Yehuda Junction, south of Hebron, following an exchange of gunfire that left five people wounded, some critically.
Israel’s military said the attackers were carrying an M16 rifle and a handgun and were preparing to carry out a larger attack against Israeli civilians.
According to the Associated Press, emergency responders arrived at the scene while gunfire was continuing.
Two men in their 20s suffered gunshot wounds to their lower limbs, including one who was unconscious and seriously injured.
“We arrived at a difficult scene while shooting was still taking place in the area,” emergency responder Tzuriel Edri said.
Israeli authorities reported discovering substantial quantities of ammunition in the attackers’ vehicle, suggesting that additional violence may have been planned.
Netanyahu said the security forces had prevented a more serious incident and praised the soldiers involved in confronting the gunmen.
“Our forces are operating with increased intensity to thwart terrorism and are carrying out extensive waves of arrests,” Netanyahu said.
“We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them everywhere and at all times. You have no safe haven.”
Hamas subsequently claimed responsibility for the shooting, describing it as retaliation for Israeli actions in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza.
Israeli forces established checkpoints and roadblocks around Hebron and several nearby Palestinian communities as security operations intensified.
According to Sky News, the military was instructed to prepare for restrictions affecting movement throughout the West Bank, although the full territory-wide closure had not yet been confirmed as operational.
A comprehensive lockdown could severely restrict travel between Palestinian cities and villages, affecting employment, education, medical appointments and the movement of commercial goods.
The West Bank is home to approximately 3 million Palestinians and hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers, with roads, checkpoints and military security arrangements dividing much of the territory.
Israeli authorities have previously imposed temporary closures during periods of heightened security concerns, including major religious holidays, elections and periods following attacks.
Friday’s measures come just days before Israel’s Oct. 27 national election, when Netanyahu is seeking another term as prime minister.
The Israeli military has already increased security preparations ahead of the vote.
On Oct. 19, Zamir placed the armed forces on their highest state of alert and suspended military leave to ensure adequate staffing and operational readiness.
The military had also anticipated restrictions on movement between Israel and the Palestinian territories during the election period.
Netanyahu previously warned that militant organizations could attempt attacks before the vote, although he did not provide evidence supporting allegations of a coordinated effort to influence the election.
Friday’s attack renewed calls from members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition for stricter measures against Palestinian militant groups.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended broad restrictions on movement, arguing that protecting Israeli civilians and security personnel must take precedence.
“The lives of the residents of Judea and Samaria, of the settlers, the lives of the soldiers, the lives of the police officers, the lives of our fighters are a million times more important than freedom of movement,” Ben-Gvir said, using the Israeli designation for the West Bank.
Other coalition members have called for expanded military operations, including efforts to disarm Palestinian militant organizations and dismantle their infrastructure.
The shooting has also intensified political disagreements over Netanyahu’s handling of national security.
Opposition figures have criticized the government’s inability to prevent attacks and its broader strategy toward Hamas following the organization’s Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel.
The latest escalation comes amid increasing tensions in the West Bank, where clashes involving Israeli forces, Palestinian militants and settlers have continued throughout the year.
Security operations have intensified in several Palestinian communities, while international organizations have raised concerns about restrictions on civilian movement and the humanitarian consequences of prolonged closures.
The Israeli government maintains that its security measures are intended to prevent further attacks and protect civilians.
As of Friday morning, the immediate lockdown around Hebron was being implemented, while the military continued preparing for a possible comprehensive closure of the West Bank.
Authorities have not announced how long the restrictions could remain in effect or whether humanitarian exemptions would be established.
The scope of the proposed territory-wide closure remains under consideration as Israeli forces conduct additional security operations and investigate the attack ahead of Tuesday’s national election.
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