Israeli army ordered to brace for West Bank closure after double shooting

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Israeli army ordered to brace for West Bank closure after double shooting Shlomo Mor Friday 23 October 2026 12:26 BST Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Israeli forces stand guard near shooting scene in Hebron ( Reuters ) Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed security forces to immediately cordon off Hebron and prepare for a complete closure of the West Bank following a deadly shooting on Friday morning. Israeli soldiers shot and killed two armed men near Hebron after an alleged attack that left at least five people injured, including some critically, according to emergency responders. Prime minister Netanyahu convened an emergency Security Cabinet meeting, blaming Hamas for planning a major attack to target civilians ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections. Far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for extremist views, advocated for strict restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement in the West Bank to prioritise the safety of Israeli settlers and security personnel. Israeli security forces conducted extensive operations across the West Bank on Friday, detaining dozens of suspects affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad while seizing weapons. In full Israel orders army to prepare for full closure of West Bank after attack