Tel Aviv:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hebron following an attack that left five people wounded, according to the supplied report. The visit came after Israeli authorities ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank, intensifying security restrictions in the area amid heightened tensions just days before Israel's elections.

The Israeli military, also known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), announced that two alleged attackers had been killed. A search for possible additional suspects was reportedly continuing.

The incident has prompted fresh security measures and strong statements from Netanyahu, who vowed further action against what Israeli authorities describe as militant infrastructure.

Netanyahu Says Israeli Soldiers Stopped the Attack

Speaking during his visit to Hebron, Netanyahu said the attackers had attempted to target Israeli citizens and soldiers ahead of the elections.

He praised the Israeli troops who responded to the incident, saying they had stopped the attackers despite some soldiers being wounded.

Netanyahu described the soldiers' response as courageous and said the alleged attackers had been killed. His remarks came as security forces continued efforts to determine whether others were involved.

Israeli PM Announces Further Operations in Hebron

Netanyahu outlined plans for an extensive security operation in the neighbourhood from which the alleged attackers reportedly emerged.

He said authorities intended to dismantle what Israel identifies as terrorist infrastructure, including weapons and related facilities. He also referred to plans to clear buildings and conduct searches across the neighbourhood.

The proposed measures could have significant consequences for residents in the affected area. The details, scope and implementation of any clearance operation were not independently confirmed in the supplied report.

Netanyahu also said authorities were imposing a siege on Hebron and Halhul and could consider extending similar measures to other cities.

Netanyahu Signals Broader West Bank Military Operation

The Israeli prime minister further indicated that a wider military operation across the West Bank was being considered.

Referring to discussions with Israel's defence leadership, Netanyahu said the IDF was prepared for an extensive operation, with the timing to be decided by the government.

His remarks suggest that the security response could extend beyond the immediate area of the Hebron incident. However, the precise timing, geographical scope and operational details remain unclear from the information provided.

Settlement Expansion Also on Netanyahu's Agenda

Alongside his security announcements, Netanyahu praised Israeli settlers and described their presence as important to Israel.

He also reiterated plans to expand settlements, saying the government intended to establish more than 100 settlements and over 100 outposts, according to his statement.

The comments link the government's security response with its broader settlement policy in the West Bank, a territory at the centre of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Settlement expansion remains highly contentious internationally, with much of the international community considering Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory illegal under international law; Israel disputes aspects of this position.

Two Alleged Attackers Reportedly Killed

Earlier, the IDF announced that two alleged attackers involved in the incident had been killed. The supplied report said that a manhunt was continuing for any additional suspects.

Five people were reportedly wounded in the attack. Further independently verified details about the victims, their conditions and the circumstances of the incident were not provided in the supplied information.

West Bank Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections

The developments in Hebron come amid heightened political and security tensions ahead of Israel's elections. The lockdown, proposed military action and Netanyahu's statements on settlement expansion are likely to keep attention focused on the West Bank.

The immediate situation will depend on the ongoing security operations and any further decisions by Israeli authorities. The potential impact of movement restrictions and planned operations on Palestinian residents also remains a key concern.

The latest developments underline the continuing volatility in the region, as Israeli security measures and settlement plans intersect with longstanding tensions over Palestinian territory and the broader conflict.