Netanyahu orders blockade of West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a blockade of the occupied West Bank following a deadly shootout that killed two IDF troops.
The escalation was prompted by a deadly shooting attack at a security checkpoint in the southern West Bank on Friday. Two Palestinian suspects armed with a handgun and an automatic rifle exchanged fire with Israeli soldiers, resulting in five wounded Israelis and two servicemen dying in hospital.
The Israeli military described the incident as a thwarted "terror attack" without specifying the intended target. Netanyahu vowed a "very extensive" retaliatory operation, announcing the demolition of the attackers' neighborhood and displacing its residents.
Political Response
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded even more severe retaliation, calling for the dissolution of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority. "The Palestinian Authority must be dissolved and demilitarized, and all terrorist infrastructure must be completely wiped out," Ben-Gvir said.
The Palestinian Authority must be dissolved and demilitarized, and all terrorist infrastructure must be completely wiped out.
Election Context
The deadly shooting comes ahead of high-stakes legislative elections in Israel scheduled for October 27. These are the first elections since the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the ensuing Gaza war.
The prolonged conflict has prompted allegations against Netanyahu of deliberately extending hostilities to maintain power. Recent polls show Netanyahu in a tight race with Gadi Eisenkot, with prospects of the incumbent PM losing his post remaining high.
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