Israel Closes West Bank Ahead of Election After Fatal Shootout

Israeli military forces ordered a full closure of the West Bank on Friday after killing two men in a shootout near Hebron. The decision comes three days before Israeli voters go to the polls to determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will retain his government. This marks the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed such strict movement restrictions across the territory.

The incident began on Friday morning when soldiers intercepted what the army described as a terror attack against Israeli civilians. The two gunmen were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. Military officials stated that the intended target of the attack was not identified. At least five people were wounded during the exchange, with some sustaining critical injuries. The identities of the dead and the injured have not been released to the public.

Hours after the shooting, Netanyahu’s office announced that security forces would cordon off Hebron immediately and prepare for a complete shutdown of the West Bank. The prime minister convened an emergency meeting of the Security Cabinet and heads of military and security agencies. He attributed the plot to Hamas, claiming the group was planning a major attack to murder innocent civilians. Netanyahu praised the troops for thwarting the plan with courage and determination, though he provided no specific details on the plot’s mechanics.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the incident to argue for tighter controls on Palestinian movement. He stated that the lives of residents in the territories, settlers, soldiers, and police officers are far more important than the freedom of movement. Ben-Gvir used the Israeli biblical names for the region, Judea and Samaria, in his remarks. He did not offer a numerical comparison for the value of lives but emphasized the priority of security over mobility.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene near the Yehuda Junction while gunfire was still ongoing. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, described the scene as difficult due to the active shooting. Medical teams reported treating two men in their 20s for gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. A third victim was unconscious and seriously injured. All five wounded were transported to hospitals in Israel. An official investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Following the shooting, Israeli soldiers conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank in coordination with security and intelligence services. These operations resulted in the detention of dozens of individuals, including those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also seized weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns. The army noted that Israeli roads in the West Bank remain open to Israeli drivers, including settlers, who may experience delays.

Netanyahu had warned ahead of the upcoming election that Hamas might attempt to strike Israel to influence the vote. This claim was made in the lead-up to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the war in Gaza. The current closure adds to a pattern of frequent restrictions over the last month, which have involved shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads.

The next major step in this sequence is the national election scheduled for Tuesday. Voters will decide whether to continue Netanyahu’s tenure or shift to a new political leadership. The military and security agencies have maintained their posture of heightened alert following the Hebron incident. The full closure of the West Bank is set to begin immediately, affecting daily life for Palestinians in the region until further notice.