Netanyahu orders 'full lockdown' of West Bank after 2 Israeli soldiers reportedly fatally shot

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered a "full lockdown" of the West Bank following reports that two Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack in the territory.

The West Bank is bordered by Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Israel, which has for decades been under Israeli military occupation.

Two suspected gunmen, identified by the Associated Press as Palestinians, were killed in the incident, according to the Israeli military. Most of the residents in the West Bank are Palestinians. 

The violence is likely to heighten security concerns ahead of Israel's parliamentary election next week.

Five people were injured or wounded in the attack, outside the city of Hebron, NBC News reported. 

Netanyahu's office said it directed the Israel Defense Forces to "impose a closure" on Hebron and prepare to fully lock down the entire West Bank starting Friday. 

Netanyahu blames Hamas for the shooting and says the Palestinian-backed political-military group – which controls the Gaza Strip and led the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel – was "planning a major attack" aimed at civilians.