Israel orders army to prepare for full West Bank closure after attack

Israeli authorities have ordered the military to prepare for a full closure of the West Bank and an immediate cordon around the city of Hebron following a Friday morning shooting attack near the Yehuda Junction that left at least five people injured, some critically. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office directed security forces to implement the sweeping lockdown as emergency responders evacuated casualties to hospitals in Israel amid ongoing gunfire at the scene.

The directive arrived just days before a closely contested election in Israel, scheduled for Tuesday, in which voters will decide whether to return Netanyahu to power or shift political directions. The incident also follows a series of widespread security sweeps across the West Bank, where the army and intelligence agencies reported conducting dozens of operations, apprehending individuals affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and seizing weapons including M16 rifles and submachine guns.

What Happened Near Hebron and How Did the Military Respond?

The violence began on Friday morning near the Yehuda Junction in the occupied West Bank, where two Palestinian gunmen launched an attack. Israeli soldiers shot and killed the two men during a prolonged shoot-out. According to the military, the assailants were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun, carrying a large quantity of ammunition.

Emergency responders arrived while shooting was still active in the area. Tzuriel Edri, speaking for the response team, described arriving at a difficult scene where gunfire was ongoing. Medics treated multiple casualties, including two men in their 20s who suffered gunshot wounds to their lower limbs, with one victim found unconscious and seriously injured. Officials have not yet released the identities of the two dead gunmen or the injured individuals, and the military has not detailed the specific target of the assault.

Why Is This Happening Now Ahead of Tuesday's Election?

The timing of the attack and subsequent lockdown intersects directly with Israel's electoral calendar. Netanyahu faces a tight race for a new term in Tuesday's election, which takes place three years after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. In response to the shooting, Netanyahu called for all political meetings to be cancelled and convened an emergency meeting of his Security Cabinet alongside top military and security officials.

Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the incident, asserting that the militant group planned a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians. Ahead of the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas could strike in a bid to influence the election outcome, though he did not provide evidence to support that assertion. Our brave soldiers thwarted this attack with courage and determination, Netanyahu said in a statement, commending security forces and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

How Are Officials and Security Forces Managing the Territory?

Following the security assessment held on Friday morning, Netanyahu confirmed a closure on the city of Hebron and preparations for a full lockdown across Judea and Samaria starting Friday. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir seized on the event to advocate for immediate restrictions on Palestinian movement. The lives of the residents of Judea and Samaria, of the settlers, the lives of the soldiers, the lives of the police officers, the lives of our fighters are a million times more important than freedom of movement, Ben-Gvir said.

The imposition of a West Bank closure fits into an escalating pattern of restrictions. This marks the fourth time in the past month that Israel has imposed sweeping limitations across the territory, shutting gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian villages to major transit routes. While these barriers severely restrict Palestinian movement, Israeli roads in the territory remain accessible to Israeli drivers and settlers, who may encounter delays but are not barred from travel.

What Happens Next for Residents and Voters?

As security forces establish roadblocks and closures in Palestinian towns surrounding Hebron, the immediate operational focus remains on the ongoing military investigation into the Yehuda Junction attack. Troops continue conducting dozens of security operations across the West Bank, targeting members of militant groups and confiscating weaponry.

For voters, the events of Friday frame the final hours of an intense electoral cycle centered heavily on security. With the country's political future hanging on Tuesday's ballot, the practical reality for civilians in the territory is an intensified security posture, restricted transit for Palestinians, and heightened military readiness across the occupied West Bank.

Netanyahu's decision to order a full territorial lockdown on the eve of a tight election weaponizes a routine counter-terrorism measure into a stark political shield, leaving voters to weigh immediate security fears against broader governance on Tuesday.