West Bank Checkpoint Shooting Leaves 5 Injured, Israel Cites Potential Major Attack
Prime Minister Netanyahu orders closure of the West Bank following the incident where two Palestinian gunmen were killed and a vehicle carrying weapons was found.
Five people were injured in a shooting at an Israeli military checkpoint in the West Bank on October 23, 2026, an incident Israeli officials described as a thwarted potential "major attack." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the closure of the entire West Bank in response.
Two Palestinian gunmen were killed by Israeli security forces following the shooting in Hebron, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The injured, including two in critical condition, were treated by Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service.
At the scene, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated that the attackers' vehicle contained a significant quantity of ammunition and weapons, suggesting they may have been planning a larger assault. In response to the incident, the IDF launched a counterterrorism operation in Hebron and surrounding villages.
Hamas, while not claiming responsibility for the shooting, praised the attack and encouraged its supporters to carry out further attacks against Israeli soldiers and settlers.