Israel orders full West Bank lockdown after deadly Hebron shooting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces to impose a closure on the city of Hebron and prepare for a full lockdown of the occupied West Bank, NBC News reported. This directive follows a shooting attack in Hebron where two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others were injured, according to NBC News and NPR News.

The military said it killed two Palestinians accused of launching the shooting attack, which also injured at least five people, some critically, NPR News reported. The attack occurred on a Friday morning near Hebron in the occupied West Bank.

Netanyahu's office instructed the Israel Defense Forces to impose the closure on Hebron and prepare for the lockdown across the West Bank starting Friday, NBC News reported. No further details were provided about the lockdown measures.

The incident comes amid a recent surge in Israeli settler violence and military activity in the West Bank, particularly around the olive harvesting season. Palestinians, activists, and American journalists have reportedly been attacked and detained during this period, according to NBC News.

This escalation occurs just days before a crucial election that will determine whether Netanyahu can maintain his position as Prime Minister, NBC News noted. The situation in the West Bank remains tense as the lockdown is implemented.