Fourth West Bank Shutdown in 30 Days Halts Cross-Border Trade

Israeli authorities have sealed the West Bank for the fourth time in the past month, a move that halts cross-border trade and restricts movement for Palestinian residents. The closure began Friday following the killing of two men near Hebron by Israeli soldiers. This is the latest in a series of security measures imposed in the days leading up to Tuesday's national election.

The timeline of events began Friday morning when the Israeli military reported that two armed men launched an attack near the city of Hebron. The army stated the gunmen possessed an M16 rifle and a handgun. Soldiers stopped the pair, killing both. At least five other individuals were wounded, with some sustaining critical injuries. Emergency responders confirmed that gunfire was still active when they arrived at the Yehuda Junction. They transported five people to hospitals in Israel, including two men in their 20s with gunshot wounds to their lower limbs and one unconscious victim.

Within hours of the shooting, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces to cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full closure of the West Bank. Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and heads of military and security agencies. He attributed the incident to Hamas, claiming the group was planning a major attack on civilians. Netanyahu praised the troops for thwarting the plot, though he did not specify the intended target or provide details on the plan. The government had previously warned that adversaries might strike before the vote to influence the outcome.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used the incident to advocate for stricter movement restrictions. He argued that the lives of Israeli settlers and soldiers outweigh the freedom of movement for Palestinians in the territory. The military followed the shooting with dozens of operations across the West Bank on Friday. Troops detained dozens of individuals, including those linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and seized weapons such as M16 rifles and submachine guns.

The upcoming election takes place three years after the October 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the war in Gaza. Voters will decide whether to extend Netanyahu's term or shift the country's political direction. The frequent closures have created a pattern of instability in the territory. This is the fourth instance in the last 30 days that Israel has shut gates and checkpoints connecting Palestinian villages to main roads. While these closures block Palestinian movement, Israeli roads remain open to drivers, including settlers, who may experience delays.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the dead or the injured. An investigation into the shooting and the broader security situation is ongoing. The military continues to coordinate with intelligence services to monitor the region. The immediate impact of the closure is the suspension of commercial traffic and daily commutes between the West Bank and other areas. The next scheduled development is the national vote on Tuesday, which will determine the future composition of the Israeli government.