Netanyahu Orders West Bank Closure After Two Soldiers Killed Near Hebron

The Israeli military confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives in a coordinated assault near the city of Hebron on Friday. Two Palestinian gunmen, armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun, reached an Israeli military position near Yehuda Junction in the morning. An exchange of fire followed, lasting approximately 20 minutes before troops neutralized both attackers.

Three additional soldiers sustained minor injuries during the engagement. Emergency responders treated five individuals on scene, including two men in their 20s who suffered gunshot wounds to the lower limbs. One other person was transported to hospital in an unconscious state. Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, described arriving at a chaotic scene where gunfire was still active.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency session of his security cabinet to address the incident. His office directed security forces to cordon off Hebron immediately and prepare to shut down the entire West Bank. Netanyahu attributed the attack to Hamas, claiming the group was planning a major operation to kill civilians, although he provided no specific details on the planned assault.

The military launched a multi-day search operation in the specific neighborhood of Hebron where the gunmen operated. Residents were permitted to exit the area only through three designated checkpoints, where they faced questioning and security screening. Forces also began demolishing infrastructure that posed a threat. Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that a large quantity of ammunition was found in a vehicle used by the attackers, which was intended for a larger-scale strike.

Israeli forces and security agencies conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. These actions resulted in the arrest of dozens of suspects, including members affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops seized various weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns, during the raids.

The attack occurred on the same day Israeli voters began preparations for the general election scheduled for next Tuesday. Netanyahu suggested Hamas might attempt a strike to influence the electoral outcome, a claim he made without presenting new evidence. This marks the fourth time in the past month that Israel has restricted movement across the territory by closing gates and checkpoints. The military stated it would force Palestinians out of the specific Hebron neighborhood, a tactic similar to actions taken in refugee camps in 2025.

International observers and local residents noted the heightened tension. U.S. congressional candidate Brad Lander, who was detained by Israeli forces earlier in the week, described the closure as an effort to make Palestinian life impossible. Amnesty International characterized the current olive harvest season as a period of heightened violence, a description that resonates with families experiencing a surge in settler attacks this year.