Israel seals West Bank borders for fourth time this month

Israeli forces killed two men in the West Bank on Friday, triggering a full border closure for the fourth time in one month.

The shooting occurred near Hebron on Friday morning. The military stated that troops stopped an attack against Israeli civilians. The two gunmen were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. The army did not specify the intended target. At least five people were wounded, with some in critical condition. Their identities have not been released.

This is the fourth major restriction on movement in the West Bank over the past 30 days. Each closure has involved shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to main roads. Israeli drivers and settlers can still use the roads, though they face delays.

The incident happened three days before Tuesday's election. Voters will decide whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps his post or if the country shifts to a new political leadership. The vote comes three years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which started the war in Gaza.

Hours after the shooting, Netanyahu's office ordered security forces to cordon off Hebron immediately. They also began preparing a full closure of the entire West Bank. Netanyahu then held an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet. He joined leaders from the main military and security agencies for the session.

Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the incident. He claimed the group was planning a major attack to kill innocent civilians. He said the troops thwarted the attack with courage and determination. He offered no details on the specific plot. He also wished the wounded a speedy recovery but did not state whether they were soldiers or civilians.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir commented on the event earlier in the day. He argued that the attack proved Israel must limit Palestinian freedom of movement. He used the term Judea and Samaria for the territory. He said the lives of residents, settlers, soldiers, and police are far more important than freedom of movement.

Emergency responders from the response team arrived at the scene near Yehuda Junction. Tzuriel Edri said they reached a difficult area while gunfire was still active. Five people were taken to hospitals in Israel. Two men in their 20s had gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. A third victim was unconscious and seriously hurt. Authorities continue an investigation into the shooting.

Following the incident, Israeli soldiers conducted dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. They worked with security and intelligence services. Dozens of people were detained. These individuals included those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops also seized weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns.