Hours later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said security forces had been instructed to cordon off Hebron and prepare for a full closure of the West Bank. The announcement did not say when or how broadly any territory-wide restrictions would take effect.

The military said the men had an M16 rifle and a handgun and that troops stopped a “terror attack against Israeli civilians.” It did not identify the intended target or release the names of the two men or the injured. An investigation was underway.

Emergency responders said they arrived while gunfire was still being reported in the area. They described five wounded people being taken to hospitals in Israel; two men in their 20s had gunshot wounds to their lower limbs, and one person was unconscious and seriously injured. Authorities did not clarify whether those hurt were civilians or soldiers.

Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet and senior military and security officials. He blamed Hamas, saying the group was planning a major attack, but provided no details to substantiate that claim. Hamas’ role in the incident was not established in the information released by Israeli authorities.

The order comes as Israelis prepare to vote next Tuesday in a closely watched election. The government has warned of possible attacks in the run-up to the vote. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the incident showed Palestinians’ freedom of movement should be restricted, arguing that the safety of Israeli residents, settlers and security personnel took precedence.

Closures across the West Bank have become more frequent, with Friday’s order marking the fourth time in a month that Israel has imposed area-wide restrictions, according to the report. Such measures can shut gates and checkpoints linking Palestinian villages to major roads. Israeli drivers, including settlers, can continue using roads in the territory, though they may face delays.