West Bank Closed After Shooting Attack Wounds 5, Kills 2 Terrorists

Israeli security forces imposed a closure on Hebron and surrounding villages Friday morning after a shooting attack near the Yehuda Junction left five people wounded, two of them seriously. Two assailants who opened fire were killed by soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to implement a cordon on Hebron and a full closure across Judea and Samaria, to remain in effect until at least after the upcoming Oct. 27 elections.

Netanyahu stated that he had directed security forces to impose the cordon and prepare for the full closure, vowing that Israel would pursue terrorists and those who sent them "everywhere and at all times." He added, "You have nowhere to hide."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops responded rapidly to the incident, preventing a more significant attack. Soldiers from the Home Front Command’s Ari Battalion engaged the attackers, who were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun.

Zamir noted that a substantial amount of ammunition was discovered in the assailants’ vehicle, suggesting their intent to carry out a larger-scale attack. He commended the soldiers' quick response in thwarting the act and minimizing harm to civilians and security forces.

The two killed assailants were identified as 27-year-old Hebron residents. One of the attackers was reportedly affiliated with Hamas, according to Israeli media outlet Kan 11.

The IDF had already been on heightened alert ahead of the election period, reinforcing its forces in Judea and Samaria with an additional regular brigade as part of preventative measures. The additional troop deployment aims to bolster security during the elections.