Israel wants to seal off West Bank after attack in Hebron

Lockdown after attack in the West Bank “The entire city of Hebron is in lockdown” As of: October 23, 2026 • 6:31 p.m

Israel's military has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers following an attack near Hebron in the West Bank. The access roads to the city are closed - the army will soon seal off the entire West Bank.

Gunshots echoed on Friday morning at the northern entrance to the West Bank city of Hebron. Videos from the Reuters news agency show soldiers running away at a mobile checkpoint. A soldier shouts:

According to the Israeli military, two suspected Palestinian attackers opened fire. The soldiers shot both men. In the afternoon it was confirmed: two Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack and three others were injured.

After deadly attack: Netanyahu announces major military operation in the West Bank Björn Dake, ARD Tel Aviv, tagesschau, Das Erste, October 23, 2026 • 8:00 p.m. Netanyahu blames Hamas According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the attackers were planning a major attack on civilians. Numerous weapons and ammunition were found at the crime scene. He also blamed the terrorist organization Hamas for the attack. In a written statement, Hamas praised the attack but did not claim direct responsibility.

Haim Goldich from the Israeli broadcaster KANN reports on the course of the attack.

The Israeli government is preparing a complete closure of the West Bank. more

After the attack, the access roads to Hebron were closed. Netanyahu ordered the city to be sealed off. The army is also said to be preparing for a complete closure of the West Bank. In addition, soldiers should go into the houses in neighborhoods where the attackers live and confiscate weapons.

He again announced a large-scale military operation in the West Bank. The right-wing extremist security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the visit to the attack site to blame the Palestinian Authority for the attack. However, there is no evidence of the authority's involvement. Ben-Gvir calls for their dissolution:

Ben-Gvir also said that the lives of Israeli settlers, soldiers and police officers are a million times more important than freedom of movement.

There have been more deaths in the conflict between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank. more

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also announced the demolition of a building opposite the site of the attack. The closure means significant restrictions for the Palestinian population. Roads and access roads are closed, and some people are unable to get to work or get medical care. A resident from Hebron describes how the situation feels for his family.

The lockdown comes just days before Israel's October 27 parliamentary election. Restrictions on freedom of movement around elections are not uncommon. However, the closure that has now been ordered follows the attack near Hebron.

Right-wing politicians are also trying to score points with their voters by promising tough action against Palestinian violence. However, they hardly address the increasing attacks by radical Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank.

This topic in the program: BR24 Radio | News | Oct 23, 2026 | 5:06 p.m. Das Erste | daily news | 2310.2026 | 5:00 p.m