Israel Imposes Full Lockdown on West Bank After Soldiers Shot
Israel has ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank after two soldiers were killed in a shooting, intensifying military operations in the region.
Israel declared a full lockdown of the West Bank on Friday after a shooting attack in Hebron killed two soldiers and injured three others. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to impose a closure on Hebron and prepare for a broader lockdown across the territory.
The incident occurred as the Israeli military escalated its operations in the West Bank, coinciding with the start of the olive harvesting season, which has seen an increase in violence. Following the attack, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian gunmen.
Netanyahu attributed the shooting to Hamas, stating that the group is planning major attacks against civilians. He cited the discovery of weapons as evidence, but details about the attackers’ affiliations remain unclear. “We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them,” Netanyahu said.
The IDF described the assault as a serious terror attack and indicated that the gunmen targeted a military checkpoint, using an M16 rifle and a handgun. During a firefight, responders reported at least 20 minutes of sustained gunfire.
In light of the attack, Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out extensive searches in Hebron, echoing tactics used in previous operations against militant groups. Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted at sweeping measures similar to earlier military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, where neighborhoods were evacuated and targeted.
Right-wing officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, arguing that urgent military action is needed to address what they label as terrorism in the region.
The lockdown comes just days before Israeli elections, positioning national security as a key campaign issue for Netanyahu, amid ongoing tensions in the West Bank. The lockdown will limit the movement of Palestinians, particularly those with permits to enter Israel, complicating access to essential services.
Recent reports indicate a troubling spike in violence, with over 1,100 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the Hamas massacre in Israel earlier in October. The United Nations noted a pattern of settler attacks during the olive harvesting season, with incidents reportedly occurring under the protection of Israeli forces.
The situation remains volatile as military operations continue, and the fallout from these events could affect the political situation in Israel.
