Netanyahu orders Hebron lockdown and house demolitions after soldiers killed

The Israeli army said two soldiers were killed near Hebron and that the attack was stopped after a 20‑minute exchange of fire.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:10:26 GMT

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a lockdown of Hebron and the demolition of homes after two Israeli soldiers were killed at a checkpoint near the city, according to the Israeli army and multiple news outlets.

What happened

The attack occurred near the Yehuda Junction outside Hebron in the morning. Two Palestinian gunmen, armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun, approached an Israeli military position, triggering a firefight that lasted about 20 minutes. The Israeli army said the gunmen were killed and that three Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded while Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, were killed.

What the reports add

Independent.co.uk reported that the army said the suspects were from Hebron and that the exchange prevented a “terror attack against Israeli civilians.” CBS News’ video coverage echoed the army’s description of the attack and added that Netanyahu’s office instructed security forces to cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full West Bank closure starting Friday. NBC News noted that the lockdown would be applied to the entire West Bank following the deadly shooting.

What was said

Netanyahu’s office said security forces were to immediately cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full West Bank closure, according to Independent.co.uk. The Israeli army said its forces prevented the gunmen from advancing further, potentially averting civilian casualties.

How it came about

Violence in the West Bank has escalated since the October 7, 2023 attacks, prompting a series of security measures. Earlier Felo News coverage noted a series of West Bank incidents, including the killing of an Israeli settler and a Palestinian driver on 20 September 2026 and calls by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for a war in the West Bank on 27 September 2026. The current lockdown follows those heightened tensions and follows a pattern of Israeli responses to attacks on soldiers and civilians.

Key facts

Two Israeli soldiers were killed near Hebron at a military checkpoint. (independent.co.uk)
The attack involved two Palestinian gunmen armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. (independent.co.uk)
Netanyahu ordered a lockdown of Hebron and demolition of homes. (independent.co.uk)
The Israeli army said the gunmen were killed after a 20‑minute firefight. (independent.co.uk)
NBC News reported a full West Bank lockdown would follow the shooting. (nbcnews.com)