Two Palestinian armed individuals opened fire at an Israeli military checkpoint on the West Bank of the Jordan River on Friday (October 23). The Israeli military reported that the shooting incident resulted in the deaths of 2 soldiers and injuries to 3 others. The two suspects were shot dead by the military. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu subsequently ordered the West Bank area near the Jordan River to be sealed off.
The Israeli military stated that the two Palestinians arrived by car at a junction near the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba, opened fire, and then fled the scene. The two men were later killed in an exchange of fire with the Israeli military. The area has been cordoned off and operations to search for potential suspects are ongoing.
The Israeli military indicated that they thwarted a “terror attack targeting Israeli civilians.” Both individuals involved were Palestinians from Hebron, carrying an M16 rifle and a handgun. The military did not provide further details on the target of the attack.
On Friday, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that he had instructed the security forces to prepare for a “comprehensive closure” of the West Bank area near the Jordan River. The lockdown measures would take effect later on Friday evening.
Following the shooting incident, Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with members of the security cabinet, senior military officials, and security agencies. After a security assessment, Netanyahu stated that he ordered an immediate closure of the Palestinian city of Hebron. He mentioned that Hamas was at the time planning a “large-scale attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians” but did not elaborate on the specifics of the attack plan.
“Our brave soldiers, with courage and determination, thwarted this attack,” he said. “I commend their actions and wish the wounded a speedy recovery.”
No organization has claimed responsibility for the shooting incident so far.
Netanyahu noted that Israeli forces are conducting widespread arrest operations across the West Bank area near the Jordan River.
Ahead of the parliamentary elections in Israel next week, this violent incident may exacerbate political tensions and raise security concerns.