Netanyahu Orders Vast West Bank Offensive After 2 Soldiers Die in Hebron Gun Battle
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 23
Netanyahu Orders Vast West Bank Offensive After 2 Soldiers Die in Hebron Gun Battle
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 23
Summary
Netanyahu told the army to prepare a “very extensive” West Bank operation after a 20-minute gun battle near Hebron killed two Israeli soldiers and two Palestinian attackers, with five Israelis wounded.
Israeli forces say the two gunmen opened fire at a temporary checkpoint after failing to reach a nearby highway, where the military believes they intended to attack civilians.
Hebron was immediately cordoned off and a full West Bank closure was set for Friday, the fourth territory-wide lockdown in a month, while Netanyahu said troops would go house to house, seize weapons and demolish homes.
The planned model echoes the 2025 “Iron Wall” campaign in northern West Bank refugee camps, which the UN rights office said displaced tens of thousands.
With Israelis voting on Tuesday, far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded a Gaza-style campaign, while rights groups warned the attack could be used to justify harsher measures against Palestinians.