World · 2026-10-23 · Afternoon briefing

Two Israeli soldiers killed in West Bank attack ahead of election

Two suspected Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three other people at a checkpoint near Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military stated that the two attackers were shot dead at the scene.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "destroy" the neighbourhood from which the attackers originated and said he had reviewed plans for the largest military operation in the West Bank in decades. The attack occurred just four days before Israel's general election, where Netanyahu has campaigned heavily on security. By Friday afternoon, Israeli forces had begun demolishing Palestinian buildings in Hebron.

The shooting follows a period of escalating violence. According to the UN, at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the start of the year. Prior to Friday's attack, four Israelis had been killed by Palestinians there over the same period. The West Bank was already scheduled to be placed under lockdown for the election.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

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• Israeli military says 2 soldiers were killed in West Bank attack that also left 2 gunmen dead
• Two Israeli soldiers killed in attack by suspected Palestinian gunmen in West Bank
• Israel Orders Army To Prepare Full Closure of West Bank Days Before Election
• Israel orders ‘full lockdown’ of occupied West Bank after 2 soldiers killed in shooting attack
• Two Israeli soldiers killed in attack on West Bank military checkpoint

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