Symbolic imageNetanyahu orders West Bank lockdown after Hebron attack kills two soldiers
Two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near Hebron on Friday before being shot dead. Netanyahu ordered Hebron sealed and a West Bank lockdown.
According to the IDF, the gunmen opened fire from a car on four soldiers at the Yehuda junction, and three soldiers were lightly wounded. IDF sources believe the pair meant to carry out a larger attack on Route 35. Netanyahu, who blames Hamas, said he and the defence minister had planned an operation in Judea and Samaria on a scale not seen since the Six-Day War, with the timing still to be set. He added that troops would use refugee-camp methods in Hebron, going house to house, and might extend them to other cities. The Financial Times notes the attack comes before Israeli elections next week.
Ministers press for more
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for dismantling the Palestinian Authority and said cordons should stay in place. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said a comprehensive West Bank campaign was unavoidable and would be a demand in the next government.
Army stresses composure
IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir said troops would pursue everyone involved but act with composure and not be drawn into provocations. Central Command announced a counterterrorism operation and a cordon on Hebron and Halhul.