Netanyahu orders full closure of the West Bank after five Israelis are wounded

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack at a military checkpoint in which two Palestinians wounded five Israelis.

Israeli authorities said that two of the wounded were in life-threatening condition. Immediately after the incident, the Israeli army imposed a complete siege on the city of Hebron.

Netanyahu himself confirmed that he had asked the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for the complete closure of the West Bank, starting today. However, it has not yet been clarified when the measure will take effect or how long it will remain in force.

An army statement said that the two Palestinians were killed at the scene. Meanwhile, Israeli forces are carrying out searches in the area to find other people who may have been connected to the attack. So far, it has not been disclosed whether the wounded are soldiers or civilians.

The attack occurred just four days before Israel’s elections, the first since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.

These elections represent an important political test for Netanyahu, who has sought to portray himself as a determined leader on security issues.