Israel on Saturday launched a military operation in Hebron in the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and left several others wounded. The Israeli military said two Palestinian gunmen were also killed in the incident. Following the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a security cordon around Hebron and nearby Halhul. The developments come just days before the Israel legislative election which is scheduled for October 27.

IDF Launches Limited Counterterrorism Mission

In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation was launched in response to the attack and described it as a “limited counterterrorism mission”. It stated that troops are searching the area for weapons and also questioning suspects as part of the operation. The IDF said residents in areas where troops are operating would be allowed to leave through three designated exit points. However, they would first have to undergo questioning and security checks.⭕️ In response to the shooting attack in which 2 IDF soldiers fell and several others were wounded, the IDF along with other security forces launched a targeted & limited counterterrorism operation in the Hebron area, from which the terrorists had emerged. Troops have begun conducting precise searches throughout the area to locate and dismantle terrorist infrastructure and weapons, while questioning suspects. Residents living in the area where forces are operating will be able to leave through 3 designated exit points, following questioning and security screening. Individuals who raise suspicion during the screening process will be referred to security forces for further questioning.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 23, 2026

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“In response to the shooting attack in which 2 IDF soldiers fell and several others were wounded, the IDF along with other security forces launched a targeted & limited counterterrorism operation in the Hebron area, from which the terrorists had emerged. Troops have begun conducting precise searches throughout the area to locate and dismantle terrorist infrastructure and weapons, while questioning suspects,” the IDF said.

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Security Tightened In Hebron And Halhul

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have placed Hebron and Halhul under a security cordon. Netanyahu said the government could consider using similar measures in other West Bank cities if necessary. Israeli soldiers have begun searching homes in areas believed to be connected to the suspected attackers. The operation includes the evacuation of residents from certain locations and the destruction of structures that Israel identifies as part of terrorist infrastructure. Photographs from Hebron showed Israeli bulldozers demolishing at least one Palestinian building, NBC News reported.

Netanyahu Says Attack Was Planned

Following a security meeting with senior military and security officials, Netanyahu said the weapons recovered from the suspects indicated that a larger attack may have been planned. Netanyahu warned that Israel would continue pursuing Hamas members and those responsible for the alleged attack

In a statement posted on X, Netanyahu said, “I have just concluded a security assessment with the Minister of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, the Director of the Shin Bet, the National Security Advisor, and the Commander of the IDF Central Command.”

“It appears that Hamas terrorists were planning a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians, as evidenced by the large quantities of weapons and ammunition discovered. Our brave soldiers thwarted this attack with courage and determination. I commend them for their actions and wish our wounded a speedy recovery,” he added.

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