Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of the occupied West Bank after two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at an Israeli military checkpoint near Hebron on Friday, leaving at least five people wounded.
Two of the victims are in critical condition, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service.
Following the attack, the Israeli military imposed a full siege on Hebron, while Netanyahu directed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for a wider closure of the West Bank.
However, the exact time the measure would take effect and how long it would remain in place were not immediately clear.
The Israeli military said both gunmen were shot dead during an exchange of fire with security forces.
Troops subsequently launched searches across the area for other individuals who might have been involved in the incident.
It remained unclear whether the wounded victims were military personnel or civilians. Videos from the scene showed Israeli forces exchanging gunfire with the attackers for several minutes.
In footage obtained by Reuters, an Israeli responder said the shooting had lasted at least 20 minutes and that emergency teams were struggling to evacuate the wounded.
The attack occurred four days before Israel’s scheduled elections, the first since the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023.
The vote presents a significant political test for Netanyahu, who has sought to project a tough stance on national security.
The Israeli military also reported discovering a vehicle allegedly used by the attackers, containing what it described as a large quantity of ammunition.
Following a security assessment, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir described the incident as a serious terrorist attack.
“This was a serious terror attack,” Zamir said, adding that the rapid response by Israeli forces had prevented further casualties.
He said the ammunition recovered from the vehicle was intended for an operation on a much larger scale.
Zamir also announced plans for additional arrests and expanded intelligence operations in the area.
Netanyahu vowed to pursue those responsible for the attack and their alleged accomplices.
“We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who sent them, wherever they are and at all times,” he said in a statement.
Hamas praised the shooting in a statement but stopped short of claiming responsibility for it.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s main rival, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident.
“Together with all the people of Israel, I pray for the full and speedy recovery of those wounded in the attack,” Eisenkot said in a statement posted on X.
