Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on an Israeli checkpoint near Hebron on Friday. They killed two Israeli soldiers, CNN and DW reported. The Israel Defense Forces said three more soldiers were lightly hurt. Troops killed both attackers, CNN and DW said. An Associated Press report on NPR said troops shot and killed two men the army said had launched the attack. It said at least five people were hurt, some badly.

Netanyahu ordered forces to cordon Hebron and prepare to close the West Bank starting Friday, NPR and CNN reported. Hours later he seemed to scale that back to a cordon around Hebron and Halhul that may grow, CNN reported. He said forces would clear homes, seize arms and destroy terror sites, DW reported. The army and Shin Bet said a multi-day raid had begun in the attackers' area. Residents could leave through set exit points, CNN reported.

Netanyahu blamed Hamas for planning a major attack on people, the AP report said. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a West Bank campaign "exactly like in Gaza." He ordered nearby buildings torn down, DW reported. The IDF said the gunmen's vehicle held a large stock of ammo meant for a bigger attack, CNN reported.

The shooting came four days before Israel's October 27 election. It is the first vote since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, the outlets noted. Netanyahu has cast himself as a hard security pick ahead of the vote, CNN reported.

What we know: Two soldiers were killed near Hebron, both gunmen were shot dead, and Israel began a local raid and closure.
What we don't: The names of all the wounded, and how wide any West Bank closure will run.