Netanyahu Orders West Bank Lockdown After Shooting Leaves Five Wounded and Two Suspects Dead

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an immediate security cordon around Hebron and preparations for a broader lockdown of the occupied West Bank after a shooting near the city left five people wounded and two Palestinian gunmen dead.

The attack occurred on the morning of October 23, 2026, near Yehuda Junction, close to Hebron. Israeli emergency responders reported that five people were injured, including two who were in critical condition.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), soldiers responded to the shooting and killed the two assailants during an exchange of gunfire. The military said the men were armed with a rifle and a handgun, and that a large quantity of ammunition was found in their vehicle.

Israeli officials identified the suspects as Firas and Hamouda al-Ja’aba, two men from Hebron. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.

Following an emergency security assessment, Netanyahu said he had instructed Israeli forces to seal off Hebron and prepare for a full closure of the West Bank. He also announced expanded security operations and arrests targeting individuals suspected of involvement in militant activity.

Netanyahu said the attackers appeared to have been preparing a larger assault against civilians. Israeli authorities said the weapons and ammunition recovered from the vehicle supported their concerns about the potential scale of the attack.

Hamas praised the shooting in a statement, although reports differed on whether the group formally claimed responsibility. The organization described the attack as a response to Israeli actions against Palestinians. Israeli authorities have blamed Hamas for the incident.

The decision to tighten restrictions comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. The closures are expected to affect movement through checkpoints and roads across the occupied territory, potentially disrupting daily life for Palestinian residents.

The shooting has also intensified calls among some Israeli officials for further military action in the West Bank. Other political figures have focused on the need to protect civilians and prevent additional attacks.

As investigations continue, the five wounded victims are receiving medical care. Israeli forces are conducting additional security operations in the Hebron area, while the broader implications of the planned West Bank closure remain uncertain.

Source: NYPOSST