Israel has ordered an immediate closure of the West Bank following a shooting near Hebron that left five Israelis wounded. The incident, which saw two Palestinian gunmen killed by security forces, occurred just days before crucial Israeli parliamentary elections.
West Bank Lockdown Imposed After Hebron Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate closure of the West Bank on Friday, October 23, 2026, following a shooting attack near Hebron that wounded five Israelis. Israeli security forces killed two suspected Palestinian attackers in a firefight at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, also known as the Judea Junction. The incident occurred days before Israel’s parliamentary elections on Tuesday, October 27, prompting Netanyahu to cancel campaign events and impose sweeping restrictions.
Immediate Response and Core Facts
Israeli officials stated that the two gunmen, identified as Mohammad Jaaba and Firas Jaaba, both 27-year-old residents of Hebron, opened fire at the checkpoint using a handgun and an M16 assault rifle. The Israeli military reported that the attackers’ vehicle contained a large quantity of ammunition, suggesting they may have been planning a larger assault. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said soldiers eliminated the two suspects after a prolonged exchange of gunfire. Emergency services confirmed that five Israelis were injured, including two in critical condition. The wounded were described as Israelis in their 20s, with one man in “very serious condition” suffering gunshot wounds to the lower limbs.
In response to the attack, Netanyahu’s office announced that security forces would cordon off the city of Hebron immediately and prepare for a full lockdown of the West Bank, beginning Friday. The prime minister attributed the incident to Hamas, stating that the militant group was “planning a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians.” He praised the IDF’s actions, saying, “Our brave soldiers thwarted this attack with courage and determination.” The IDF also launched counterterrorism raids on the homes of the attackers and, according to Israeli media, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordered the demolition of several Palestinian buildings adjacent to the attack site.
Deeper Dive and Context
Timeline and Location
The attack occurred at approximately 6:00 AM local time near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, a military installation at the northern entrance to Hebron. Unverified CCTV footage reviewed by the BBC showed two men exiting a vehicle armed with a handgun and an assault rifle before engaging Israeli soldiers. The firefight lasted several minutes before the attackers were killed. The IDF stated that the gunmen had intended to carry out a larger attack on Route 35, a major road in the area, but encountered the checkpoint and opened fire instead.
Political and Security Implications
The incident unfolded just days before Israel’s parliamentary elections, the first since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks that triggered the war in Gaza. Netanyahu, whose Likud party has campaigned heavily on security issues, called for all political meetings to be canceled on Friday. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline stance on Palestinian militancy, also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a strong response. Hamas, while not claiming responsibility, praised the attack and called on its supporters to carry out further assaults against Israeli soldiers and settlers.
Humanitarian and Policy Responses
The closure of the West Bank, which includes Hebron and surrounding areas, marks a significant escalation in Israeli security measures. The lockdown follows reports of increased tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians during the annual olive harvest season. Israeli forces routinely conduct raids and demolish the homes of Palestinians suspected of involvement in attacks on Israelis, a practice criticized by human rights organizations as collective punishment. The IDF confirmed it had begun such operations in Hebron and surrounding villages following the attack.
Eyewitness Accounts and Official Statements
An AFP journalist who witnessed the firefight described seeing the two lifeless bodies of the attackers lying next to a petrol station as Israeli troops patrolled the area. Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service, reported treating five injured individuals, including two in critical condition. Emergency responders described arriving at a “difficult scene” while shooting was still underway. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, stated that the attackers’ vehicle contained enough ammunition to suggest a larger plot had been disrupted.
Ongoing Investigations
Israeli authorities have not disclosed further details about the intended target of the attack or the identities of the injured beyond their age and nationality. The IDF said it was continuing searches in the area and reviewing evidence collected from the scene. Hamas’s lack of direct claim of responsibility leaves the full extent of its involvement unclear, though Israeli officials have framed the incident as part of a broader campaign by the group to destabilize the region ahead of the elections.