Israel Seals West Bank After Hebron Ambush Kills Two Soldiers

Two Israeli soldiers died in an ambush on a reserve base in Hebron, triggering a full lockdown of the West Bank and the forced eviction of thousands of Palestinians from their homes. The conflict escalated rapidly after two gunmen attacked the base on Friday, killing the soldiers before forces eliminated the attackers.

Yousef al-Ja'bari, the mayor of Hebron, stated that 2,200 people have been displaced since the attack. He confirmed that hundreds of military raids have occurred since Friday, with the city sealed off to entry and exit as of Saturday. Residents reported that soldiers issued evacuation orders via loudspeakers late at night, leaving families with minimal time to gather belongings or find alternative shelter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the complete seal of the West Bank following the deaths. Israeli forces conducted operations in at least 15 locations on Saturday. These included Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, occupied East Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society reported that approximately 70 Palestinians were arrested during these operations.

Al Jazeera correspondents documented an Israeli operation to demolish homes and vehicles near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint in Hebron. Soldiers fired a stun grenade at the journalists while they were filming the destruction. The Palestinian Authority, which administers the West Bank, labeled the military response as collective punishment. The PA cited home demolitions and the siege of cities, urging the international community to intervene.

The closure isolates roughly 800,000 people. This figure includes 200,000 residents within the city of Hebron and 600,000 in the surrounding governorate, the most populous in the West Bank. Issa Amro, a Hebron-based activist, described the situation as a siege with all entrances and exits closed since morning. He noted that residents feel fear and lack safe hiding spots within the city.

The military actions occur three days before Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Nour Odeh, a West Bank correspondent, said politicians are capitalizing on the attack. She noted that Netanyahu and his Likud party are trailing in polls, prompting them to project strength against Palestinians. Netanyahu avoided confirming plans to dismantle the Palestinian Authority but stated that a big surprise awaits the organization.

Hamas issued a statement criticizing the occupation and its settlers, claiming their escalations will fuel further outrage. The PA has appealed for international pressure to protect Hebron's residents. The military presence in Hebron has intensified, with the mayor confirming the displacement figures and the sealed status of the city's borders.