Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of Hebron and directed security forces to prepare for a full lockdown across the West Bank after a suspected terror attack linked to Hamas wounded five people.“I have instructed the IDF and security forces to immediately impose a closure on the city of Hebron and prepare for a full lockdown of all of Judea and Samaria, beginning today,” Netanyahu said.“We will pursue Hamas terrorists and those who send them, wherever they are and at any time. You have nowhere to hide,” he added.Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that two terrorists involved in the attack had been killed. A manhunt for any additional suspects is continuing.The IDF said soldiers and Israel Border Police officers had launched counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, as well as in other locations.“Following the shooting attack earlier today, IDF soldiers and Israel Border Police officers launched offensive counterterrorism operations in the Hebron area, which has been placed under a cordon, and in additional areas,” the military said.It added that security forces had apprehended around 70 wanted individuals over the past week, including suspected affiliates of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Dozens of weapons were also recovered, including M16 rifles, Carlo submachine guns and explosive devices.“The IDF will continue conducting offensive counterterrorism operations to safeguard Israeli civilians,” the statement said.Ambulance services reported that five people were wounded in the attack. Two were in critical condition, one was moderately injured and two sustained minor injuries.IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir described the incident as a serious attack, crediting the swift response of soldiers with preventing further casualties.“This was a serious attack. The soldiers’ swift actions prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces,” Zamir said in a statement.He added that a large quantity of ammunition had been found in the vehicle used by the attackers to reach the scene. The ammunition was allegedly intended for an attack on a larger scale.The attack comes just five days before Israel goes to the polls.