Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the closure of the occupied West Bank after a gun attack near Hebron killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded several, prompting increased security operations throughout the Palestinian region.
The Israeli military stated the strike took place Friday, October 23, 2026, near a military station in the Hebron area. Two Palestinian militants were killed by Israeli soldiers after an exchange of fire that lasted around 20 minutes, reports said.
The Israeli army named the two soldiers murdered as Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Three more were lightly wounded, the military said. Emergency responders had reported that five persons were wounded, some of whom were first characterised as being in critical condition.
In response to the event, Netanyahu ordered security forces to block off Hebron immediately and to prepare for a larger lockdown of the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces also set up barricades and stopped highways in Palestinian communities in the area.
Netanyahu claimed security forces would step up operations against Hamas and carry up mass arrests. Israeli sources said the attackers were armed with a huge amount of guns and ammunition, giving the impression they were preparing for a larger attack.
According to Israeli and foreign media, Hamas has claimed responsibility for the strike. The group said the attack was revenge for Israeli activities against Palestinians. Israeli officials condemned the shooting and promised to bring the attackers to justice.
The closure comes amid escalating tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations, settler violence and limitations on Palestinian movement have led to increased insecurity. The new limitations are expected to hinder mobility between Palestinian towns and villages, especially where checkpoints and access roads are closed.
Timing is politically relevant too, with Israel due to host national elections on Oct. 27. Security has been a prominent issue in the campaign, with Netanyahu and his political rivals confronting different demands about how to respond to assaults against Israelis and the rising violence in the occupied area.
It was not immediately apparent how long the limits would last or how far they would go. Israeli authorities said security efforts will continue as enquiries into the shooting went on.
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