Jerusalem, 23 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s security establishment is preparing for a possible full closure of Judea and Samaria following Friday’s shooting attack near Hebron, amid heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming Knesset election, Israeli media reported Friday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has instructed security forces to encircle Hebron and prepare for a broader closure of the region following the attack, in which two terrorists were killed and five people were wounded. Some of the victims were reported to be in critical condition.
The preparations come as Israeli forces intensify counterterrorism operations across Judea and Samaria. Security forces have arrested more than 70 wanted suspects over the past week, including individuals linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as alleged inciters.
A full closure would restrict Palestinian movement through crossings, subject to security assessments and any exceptions allowed by authorities.