Hebron Shooting: Israel Seals Off City, Netanyahu Orders Preparations for Full West Bank Lockdown

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered security forces to seal Hebron, a Palestinian city in the West Bank. They are also to prepare for a full lockdown of the entire West Bank. The order came after a shooting in Hebron on Friday morning in which two Palestinians were killed and Israelis were wounded.

The Israeli army has closed the road to Hebron completely. Preparations for a lockdown across the West Bank are under way on the prime minister's orders.

Netanyahu's order after security meeting

After the shooting, Netanyahu held a meeting with security officials. The head of Shin Bet and the commander of Central Command were also present.

After the meeting, Netanyahu said in a post on X that the army and security forces had been ordered to impose restrictions on Hebron immediately. He said preparations for a full lockdown across the West Bank had begun, starting today.

What happened in Hebron

Firing broke out suddenly at the northern entrance of Hebron early in the morning. Al Jazeera, citing local sources, reported that two young Palestinian men were killed. The Israeli army said its soldiers shot dead the two men after they launched the attack.

At least five Israelis were wounded, two of them critically, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency medical service. Some reports put the number of wounded soldiers at six. The injured were rushed to hospital.

Heavy security forces have been deployed in the area. Movement of ordinary people has almost stopped. Shops are shut and the streets are deserted.

After the incident, Netanyahu reviewed the situation and directed immediate action. He said clearly that restrictions should be imposed on Hebron at once. Security agencies are now watching to ensure that no further incident occurs.

What a West Bank lockdown would mean

A full lockdown would mean strict restrictions on the movement of people. Checks at checkpoints would be tightened and vehicles would be inspected more strictly. Movement could be stopped completely in several areas.

People going to work, children going to school and patients would all be affected. The Palestinian administration and local leaders are condemning the step. They say it will increase tension.