Israel launches new operation

Israel's military launched an operation in the occupied West Bank after gunmen killed two IDF soldiers days ahead of elections.

Netanyahu pledges harsher line

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the attack scene to pledge an even harder line on West Bank militancy.

Security forces target infrastructure

Security forces searched targets and questioned suspects to locate and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Hebron.

Demolishing illegal structures

Forces demolished illegal structures that could pose security threats at the site of the encounter.

Operation expected to continue

The operation is expected to continue for several days.

Hamas praises attack

Militant group Hamas praised Friday's fatal attack on two Israeli soldiers as a 'heroic operation'.

“heroic operation”

Gun battle at checkpoint

An AFP photographer witnessed gun battle break out at Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint between soldiers and two armed Palestinians.

Netanyahu orders lockdown

Netanyahu credited soldiers with preventing major attack and ordered West Bank lockdown.

Netanyahu plans extensive operation

Netanyahu said Israeli forces would enter neighborhood from attack, evacuate residents, and destroy terrorist infrastructure.

Military model from refugee camps

Netanyahu referenced military model previously used in refugee camps in northern West Bank.

B'Tselem calls for international pressure

Israeli rights group B'Tselem called for urgent international pressure to prevent collective punishment and war crimes.

UN Secretary-General expresses concern

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over Israeli closures affecting Palestinian livelihoods.

Smotrich calls for large-scale offensive

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for large-scale military offensive in West Bank 'exactly like in Gaza'.

“exactly like in Gaza”

Smotrich warns enemies

Smotrich said authorities were sending 'unequivocal message to enemies: if you mess with Jews, you will pay painful price'.

“unequivocal message to enemies: if you mess with Jews, you will pay painful price”

Ben Gvir demands Palestinian Authority dismantled

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Palestinian Authority must be dismantled.

No PA connection to attack

No evidence suggests Palestinian Authority was connected to Friday's attack.

Netanyahu vows to pursue Hamas

Netanyahu vowed to pursue Hamas terrorists everywhere, saying 'you have no place to hide'.

“you have no place to hide”

Hamas attack aftermath

Israel vowed to obliterate Hamas after October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,221 people.

“October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,221 people”

Gadi Eisenkot expresses concern

Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot said he was praying for soldiers wounded in Friday's shooting.

Tensions in West Bank

Tensions are soaring in West Bank over attacks by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinian olive harvesters.