Israeli soldiers shot and killed two men near Hebron on Friday, Oct. 23, after the military said they had launched an attack. At least five people were injured, some critically, in the shooting near Yehuda Junction in the occupied West Bank. Israel’s government said security forces were ordered to immediately cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full closure of the West Bank. The announcement did not specify when or how broadly such a closure would be enforced. The military said the men were carrying an M16 rifle and a handgun and that troops had stopped what it called a “terror attack against Israeli civilians.” It did not identify the men or describe the alleged target. Emergency responders said gunfire was still underway when they reached the scene and that the injured were being evacuated to hospitals in Israel. An investigation was underway. Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and senior military and security officials. He blamed Hamas, saying the group was “planning a major attack aimed at murdering innocent civilians,” but provided no details about the alleged plot. He praised the soldiers who intervened and wished the wounded a speedy recovery; officials had not said whether those injured were civilians or members of the security forces. The incident comes days before Israelis vote in a national election, with Netanyahu seeking another term. The government has warned of possible attacks ahead of the vote. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued Friday that the shooting showed the need to restrict Palestinian movement in the West Bank, saying the safety of Israelis and security personnel outweighed freedom of movement. West Bank-wide restrictions have become more frequent: Friday’s planned closure was the fourth imposed in the territory in a month, with gates and checkpoints limiting travel between Palestinian communities and major roads. Israeli roads in the territory remained open to Israeli drivers, including settlers, although delays were possible.