Israeli officials said five Israelis were wounded in a shooting in the occupied West Bank, and that Israeli security forces killed two suspected Palestinian attackers. The incident took place at a military checkpoint at the entrance to Hebron.
Unverified footage shared on social media appears to show an intense gun battle between soldiers and the gunmen. The footage remains unverified.
The attack comes amid high tensions in the West Bank, where extremist Jewish settlers have been targeting Palestinians during the annual olive harvest. Israel’s general election is due in four days.
Also read: Palestinian voters in Israel's election weigh fear and doubt
Military says gunmen planned a bigger assault
The Israeli military said it found a large quantity of ammunition in the attackers’ vehicle. It believes the gunmen intended a far larger attack on nearby Route 35, but unexpectedly ran into the checkpoint and opened fire there instead.
Netanyahu orders West Bank lockdown before vote
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose election campaign has centred on promises of security, said he had instructed the military to prepare a full lockdown of the West Bank starting later on Friday. Israeli media reported the territory was already expected to be locked down for the election on Monday and Tuesday.
Netanyahu also said his Likud party would cancel its campaign events for the morning.
