Five Israelis Wounded in West Bank Attack Before Gunmen Killed by IDF

Palestinian militants wounded five Israelis in an attack on Friday before being killed in a prolonged shootout with IDF soldiers. The incident prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order a lockdown in the occupied West Bank and an increase in security operations.

Netanyahu stated that Israeli troops prevented what could have been a major attack, as the two assailants were allegedly carrying a significant amount of ammunition. An AFP journalist witnessed two armed Palestinian men exchanging fire with Israeli forces at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint near Hebron. Israeli forces ultimately killed the attackers.

The Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency medical rescue service, reported that five Israelis in their 20s were wounded, with two in critical condition and one man in very serious condition with gunshot wounds.

The attack occurred days before Israeli elections, with Netanyahu facing a close race for re-election. Following the incident, he canceled Likud party political meetings and instructed the IDF and security forces to impose an immediate cordon on Hebron and prepare for a full lockdown of the West Bank, referred to by its biblical name, Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu praised the soldiers' courage and determination in preventing a larger attack. He also stated that troops were conducting stepped-up operations to thwart terrorist activities and carrying out large-scale arrests. The military confirmed launching offensive counter-terrorism operations in the Hebron area, including raids on suspects' homes.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the dismantling of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority due to the attack. However, no evidence suggests the Palestinian Authority was connected to the incident.

Hamas, based in Gaza, hailed the attack as an "exceptional heroic operation" near Hebron and mourned the assailants without claiming responsibility. Hamas described the attack as a "natural and legitimate response to the ongoing crimes and brutal attacks against our people."

Netanyahu vowed to pursue Hamas terrorists, stating, "You have no place to hide." Gadi Eisenkot, a top rival of Netanyahu in the election and former army chief, praised the troops' response and offered prayers for the injured.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, including reports of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian olive harvesters. According to an AFP tally based on data from the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli forces or settlers have killed 1,113 Palestinians in the territory since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. Israeli figures indicate at least 49 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations during the same period.