Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank following a gunfight in the city of Hebron. The directive came after Israeli forces repelled an attack by Palestinian gunmen near the Israeli settlement of Telem on Saturday morning.

Israeli military officials reported that two Palestinian attackers were killed after they opened fire on a reserve battalion close to one of the military checkpoints surrounding Hebron. The two assailants were driving a vehicle bearing an Israeli license plate when the attack occurred. The ensuing firefight lasted approximately 20 minutes, according to eyewitness accounts, which also noted difficulties in evacuating injured soldiers during the prolonged exchange of gunfire.

At least five Israeli soldiers sustained injuries in the incident, with two reported to be in critical condition. Following the confrontation, the Israeli military detained two Palestinians and imposed a lockdown on Hebron. Prime Minister Netanyahu subsequently called off several election-related events and announced on social media that he had directed security forces to prepare for a comprehensive closure of the entire West Bank, referred to by Israeli authorities as Judea and Samaria, effective immediately.

The attack comes amid escalating tensions across the Palestinian territories, with a rise in violence attributed to confrontations involving Israeli settlers and soldiers. Reports indicate an increase in assaults targeting Palestinian civilians, including incidents against olive harvesters, as violence has intensified ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections.

Israeli officials characterized the security forces’ response as preventing a potential large-scale attack. The situation in Hebron and the broader West Bank remains volatile as Israeli authorities maintain heightened security measures in the wake of the gunfight.