# Israel launches new operation in West Bank after gunmen killed two IDF soldiers

> Israel begins West Bank military operation following attack that killed two soldiers days before elections.
- Title: Israel launches new operation in West Bank after gunmen…
- Summary: Israel begins West Bank military operation following attack that killed two soldiers days before elections. Israel launched a military operation in the West…
- Keywords: israel, west bank, idf, hamas, netanyahu, elections, militant group, hebron, shin bet, military operation, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16235083/Israel-operation-West-Bank-gunmen-killed-IDF-soldiers-elections.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-24T08:14:48+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: israel, west bank, idf, hamas, netanyahu, elections, militant group, hebron, shin bet, military operation, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Israel launched a military operation in the West Bank after gunmen killed two IDF soldiers, with Prime Minister Netanyahu pledging harsher measures against militants ahead of elections.