Israel seals West Bank borders for fourth time in a month

The West Bank experienced its fourth complete border closure in thirty days after Israeli forces killed two men near Hebron on Friday morning. The security shutdown halts movement through major gates and checkpoints that connect Palestinian towns to main highways.

The incident began when the military reported stopping a terror attack against Israeli civilians. Soldiers engaged two gunmen who were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. The army did not specify the intended target of the attack. At least five people sustained injuries, with several reported to be in critical condition. Emergency responders transported five individuals to hospitals in Israel.

Tzuriel Edri, a member of the response team, stated that the crew arrived at a difficult scene while gunfire was still active near the Yehuda Junction. He noted that two men in their twenties suffered gunshot wounds to their lower limbs. A third victim was found unconscious and seriously hurt. The identities of the dead and the injured have not been released to the public.

The closure order came hours after the shooting. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that security forces would cordon off Hebron immediately. This decision triggered a full shutdown of the territory starting Friday. Israeli roads within the West Bank remain open to Israeli drivers and settlers, though delays are expected.

This event occurs days before Israeli voters cast ballots on Tuesday. The election determines whether Netanyahu serves another term or if the country enters a new political era. The vote takes place three years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which ignited the war in Gaza. The government warned that enemies may attempt strikes before the election.

Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of the Security Cabinet along with top military and security leaders. He attributed the plot to Hamas, claiming the group planned a major attack aimed at killing civilians. He praised the troops for thwarting the attack with courage and determination. He offered no specific details on the plot and wished the wounded a speedy recovery without confirming their status as soldiers or civilians.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued that the incident justified limiting Palestinian freedom of movement. He stated that the lives of residents in Judea and Samaria, including settlers, soldiers, and police, are a million times more important than freedom of movement. This far-right figure has long advocated for strict controls in the occupied territory.

Following the shootout, the army coordinated with security and intelligence services to conduct dozens of operations across the West Bank. Forces detained dozens of people, including individuals linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Troops seized weapons, including M16 rifles and submachine guns. An investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

Netanyahu previously suggested that Hamas might strike Israel to sway the election result, though he provided no evidence for this claim. The frequency of these closures has increased over the past month. Each shutdown isolates Palestinian communities by closing gates that link villages to major roads, disrupting daily life and trade.