Five Israelis have been wounded and two suspected Palestinian attackers killed by Israeli security forces following a taking pictures in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officers say.
Unverified footage shared on social media reveals an intense gun battle between troopers and the gunmen, at a army checkpoint at the entrance to the metropolis of Hebron.
The attack comes at a time of high tensions in the West Bank, with extremist Jewish settlers concentrating on Palestinians during the annual olive harvest, and Israel’s basic election happening in 4 days time.
The Israeli army said it had discovered a giant amount of ammunition in the attackers’ vehicle. The army said they believe the gunmen had meant to carry out a much bigger attack on the close by Route 35, but unexpectedly ran into the checkpoint – so instead determined to open fire there.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has constructed his election marketing campaign on promising security, said he had instructed the army to put together for a full lockdown of the West Bank, starting later on Friday. The West Bank was already expected to be positioned under lockdown for the election on Monday and Tuesday, according to Israeli media.
Netanyahu added that his Likud get together would cancel marketing campaign occasions for the morning.
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