Soldiers Kill Two Near Hebron as Israel Seals West Bank Before Vote

Israeli voters head to the polls Tuesday to determine the next leader of their country, a decision that lands three years after the Hamas-led attacks that ignited the war in Gaza.

On Friday morning, soldiers shot and killed two men near the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. The military stated the pair had launched an attack against Israeli civilians and were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. Officials did not disclose the intended target. At least five people were wounded in the incident, with some injuries described as critical. The identities of the dead and the injured have not been released.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced shortly after the shooting that security forces were ordered to cordon off Hebron immediately. A full closure of the entire West Bank began Friday. This marks the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed such restrictions, shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major roads. Israeli drivers, including settlers, can still use roads in the West Bank, though they may face delays.

Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and leaders of the main military and intelligence agencies. He blamed Hamas, claiming the group was planning a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians. He said the troops thwarted this attack with courage and determination. He did not provide specific details on the plot. He also wished the wounded a speedy recovery without clarifying whether they were soldiers or civilians. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu had warned that Hamas might try to strike Israel to sway the election result, though he offered no evidence for that claim.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure, argued that the incident proved Israel must limit Palestinian freedom of movement. He stated that the lives of residents of Judea and Samaria, settlers, soldiers, police officers, and fighters are a million times more important than freedom of movement.

Emergency responders reported that gunfire was still occurring when they arrived at the scene near Yehuda Junction. Tzuriel Edri of the response team said the team arrived at a difficult scene while shooting was still taking place in the area. Five people were transported to hospitals in Israel. Two men in their 20s sustained gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. Another victim was unconscious and seriously hurt. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The army reported that on Friday, soldiers working with security and intelligence services conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank. They detained dozens of individuals, including people linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also found weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns.