JERUSALEM, October 23 (ANI) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the city of Hebron to be cordoned off and directed security forces to prepare for a complete lockdown of the West Bank after five people were wounded in a shooting attack allegedly carried out by Hamas-linked terrorists.
“I have instructed the IDF and security forces to immediately impose a closure on the city of Hebron and prepare for a full lockdown of all of Judea and Samaria, beginning today,” Netanyahu said.
“We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them, wherever they are and at any time. You have nowhere to hide,” he added.
Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that two suspected attackers had been killed. A manhunt for any additional suspects was continuing.
“Following the shooting attack earlier today, IDF soldiers and Israel Border Police officers launched offensive counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, and in additional areas. Over the past week, security forces apprehended approximately 70 wanted individuals, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad affiliates, and located dozens of weapons, including M16 rifles, Carlo submachine guns and explosive devices. The IDF will continue conducting offensive counterterrorism operations to safeguard Israeli civilians,” the military said.
Emergency medical services reported that five people were wounded in the attack. Two were in critical condition, one was in moderate condition and two sustained minor injuries.
“This was a serious attack. The soldiers’ swift actions prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces. A large quantity of ammunition was found in the vehicle used by the terrorists to reach the scene of the attack, which was intended to be used to carry out an attack on a larger scale,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said in a statement.
The attack in the West Bank comes just five days before Israel is scheduled to hold elections. (ANI)
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