Israel Closes West Bank Following Fatal Shooting of Two Palestinians

Israeli soldiers shot and killed two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank near Hebron on Friday morning, claiming the individuals had launched an attack. The incident resulted in at least five injuries, some of which were critical.

The Israeli military stated that the gunmen were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun, but did not specify the intended target of their alleged attack. Following the shooting, Israel's government ordered a full closure of the West Bank, with security forces instructed to cordon off Hebron and prepare for broader restrictions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with security officials, attributing the incident to Hamas and suggesting a planned attack on civilians. He praised the soldiers for their actions and wished the injured a swift recovery. The closure of the West Bank is part of a trend, with this being the fourth such restriction in a month, as tensions rise ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for next week.