- Five Israelis have been wounded and two suspected Palestinian attackers killed by Israeli security forces following a shooting in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials say.
- Footage verified by the BBC shows an intense gun battle between soldiers and the gunmen at a military checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Hebron.
- The Israeli military said it had found a large quantity of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle.
- The military said they believe the gunmen had intended to carry out a much larger attack on the nearby Route 35, but ran into the checkpoint.
- Netanyahu ordered the military to prepare for a full lockdown of the West Bank, beginning later on Friday.
- The Israeli military imposed a full siege on the city of Hebron after the attack.
- Netanyahu canceled Likud campaign events for the morning and called for pursuing Hamas terrorists.
- The attack comes at a time of high tensions, with extremist Jewish settlers targeting Palestinians during the annual olive harvest.
- Hamas praised the attack in a statement but did not claim responsibility.
- Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival, offered prayers for the recovery of those wounded in the attack.
Five Israelis were wounded and two suspected Palestinian attackers killed during a shooting at a military checkpoint in Hebron, escalating tensions in the region. The Israeli military reported that two of the injured are in critical condition, while the attackers were armed with a handgun and an assault rifle.136
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full closure of the West Bank, stating that the military would prepare for a lockdown starting immediately. This decision comes amid rising violence, with at least 96 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers this year, compared to four Israelis killed by Palestinians, according to the UN.
The military believes the gunmen intended to carry out a larger attack on Route 35 but opened fire at the checkpoint instead. “This was a serious terror attack,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, emphasizing that the rapid response prevented further harm.
The attack occurred just four days before Israel's elections, a critical moment for Netanyahu, who has campaigned on security issues. The Israeli military has begun raids on the attackers' homes and imposed a full siege on Hebron, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordering the demolition of nearby Palestinian buildings.
Videos from the scene show a prolonged firefight, with reports indicating that the shooting lasted at least 20 minutes, complicating the evacuation of the wounded.
The IDF also located a vehicle used by the attackers, which contained a large quantity of ammunition, indicating a potential for a more extensive assault.
“The attack unfolded amid heightened tensions with settlers targeting Palestinians during the olive harvest, just four days before Israel's election. The IDF found a large quantity of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle, indicating plans for a much larger assault on Route 35, according to military statements.”
BBC
