Five Israelis wounded near Hebron as Netanyahu orders closure

Five Israelis were wounded and two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed in a shooting near Hebron in the occupied West Bank on October 23, according to reports. The BBC placed the shooting at a military checkpoint at the city's entrance; AFP reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently ordered Hebron closed and preparations for a wider lockdown.¹²⁴

Shooting at the checkpoint

According to The Times of Israel, two armed men arrived around 7:30 a.m. at a provisional security post outside Hebron. and began shooting after apparently failing to reach Route 35. The New York Times reported that Israeli soldiers killed two assailants. According to AFP, the deaths followed an extended exchange of fire with soldiers.²⁴⁵

AFP, citing the emergency service Magen David Adom, reported that two of the five wounded were in critical condition. The Times of Israel also reported two critically wounded people. Middle East Eye gave a different account of the casualties, reporting six wounded Israeli soldiers and two Palestinians killed at Hebron's northern entrance.⁴⁵⁶

According to the BBC, the Israeli military found a substantial amount of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle and believed the men had planned a larger attack on Route 35. Its account said they fired after unexpectedly coming across the checkpoint. The Times of Israel reported that investigators were examining whether anyone outside the pair had directed them.¹⁵

Closure orders and security operations

Middle East Eye reported that Netanyahu issued his instructions after consultations involving the Shin Bet chief and the commander of the military's Central Command. It quoted him ordering security forces to “immediately impose a closure on the city of Hebron”. The BBC also reported instructions to prepare for a lockdown across the West Bank.¹⁶

AFP reported that Israeli forces began operations in the Hebron area and raided suspects' homes. It also reported that Hamas praised the shooting but did not claim responsibility. According to AFP, there was no evidence linking the Palestinian Authority to the attack.⁴

Election preparations

The shooting came days before national elections, The New York Times reported. AFP said the vote was scheduled for Tuesday and that Netanyahu faced a close contest for another term. The BBC reported that Likud would cancel its morning campaign events and that an election-related West Bank lockdown had already been expected for Monday and Tuesday.¹²⁴