West Bank Sealed After Fatal Shootout Near Hebron
The fourth closure in thirty days halts movement across the territory days before Israel's general election.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
Two men were shot and killed by Israeli soldiers near Hebron on Friday morning.
The military stated that the pair had initiated an attack against Israeli civilians. The gunmen were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. The army did not specify the intended target of the assault.
Emergency responders reported that at least five people were wounded. Three of the victims were taken to hospitals in Israel. Two men in their 20s suffered gunshot wounds to their legs. One other victim was found unconscious and seriously injured. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, said the team arrived at the scene near the Yehuda Junction while gunfire was still active. The identities of the dead and injured have not been released.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full closure of the West Bank beginning Friday. His office announced that security forces were to cordon off Hebron immediately. This is the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed such restrictions. The closures shut gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads. Israeli drivers, including settlers, can still use West Bank roads but may face delays.
Netanyahu held an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and military leaders. He claimed that Hamas was planning a major attack to kill innocent civilians. He praised the troops for thwarting the plot with courage and determination. The Prime Minister wished the wounded a speedy recovery but did not specify if they were soldiers or civilians. Netanyahu had previously suggested that Hamas might try to strike Israel to influence the election result. He offered no evidence for that claim.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued that the incident proved the need to limit Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of residents, settlers, soldiers, and police officers are far more important than freedom of movement. Ben-Gvir used the Israeli term Judea and Samaria to refer to the territory.
Israeli soldiers and security agencies carried out dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. They detained dozens of people linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also recovered weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns. An investigation into the Hebron shooting is ongoing. Israeli voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to decide whether Netanyahu keeps his term.
