Israel kills 2 Hamas terrorists who wounded 5 in West Bank shooting, thwarting terror attack

Israel Defense Forces killed two suspected Hamas terrorists who wounded five Israelis in a shooting near Hebron in the West Bank Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The attackers, both 27-year-old Hebron residents, were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun when they launched the assault near Yehuda Junction around 7:30 a.m., leaving five people injured, two seriously. Netanyahu said that the terrorists “were planning a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians” as he ordered the territory be closed. “Our brave soldiers thwarted this attack with courage and determination. I commend them for their actions and wish our wounded a speedy recovery,” he posted to X . 3 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full West Bank closure after a terror attack by two armed men near Hebron. AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg Large numbers of Israeli troops rushed to the scene and killed both terrorists after launching a manhunt in the surrounding area, the IDF said. No identities have been released. Explore More Priest gives middle finger to mob of masked rioters who chased scared tourists into church Meghan Markle says she cut ties with dad Thomas to protect her kids after sickening allegation back in 2018 American tourist plunges almost 1,000 feet to her death in Italy while taking a photo Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting after the shooting, accusing Hamas of planning the attack on Israeli civilians. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered an immediate cordon around Hebron and directed the military to prepare for a full closure of Judea and Samaria — Israel’s name for the West Bank — beginning Friday and lasting at least through the Oct. 27 election. The prime minister vowed that Israel would pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them “everywhere and at all times,” adding, “You have nowhere to hide.” 3 One of two armed Palestinian men carries a rifle during clashes with Israeli forces at a checkpoint near Hebron, Oct. 23, 2026. AFP via Getty Images 3 At least five people were injured in the attack and evacuated to hospitals in Israel, Oct. 23, 2026. AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean Israeli officials have warned of potential attacks during the election period, deploying an additional regular IDF brigade to the West Bank. President Trump has endorsed “great warrior” Netanyahu to carry on leading the country. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for tighter restrictions on Palestinian movement after the shooting. “The lives of the residents of Judea and Samaria, of the settlers, the lives of the soldiers, the lives of the police officers, the lives of our fighters are a million times more important than freedom of movement,” Ben-Gvir said. Israeli forces also arrested dozens of suspects in West Bank operations Friday, including people affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and located weapons, the military said. With Post wires