Israeli Forces Investigate Foreign Photographer After He Documented Hebron Shooting Attack

Israeli authorities are investigating a foreign photographer who documented a shooting attack near Hebron on Friday morning. The military is examining whether the photographer had prior knowledge of the attackers' intentions, according to Israeli Channel 12. The attack resulted in five injuries, two of them serious, while the two assailants were killed by Israeli forces at the scene. Channel 12 reported that the professional photographer's documentation of the incident prompted the military's inquiry, though no evidence has yet emerged to confirm the photographer's prior awareness of the planned attack. The report described how soldiers observed a vehicle approaching their position before two individuals emerged and opened fire, leading to a firefight.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security assessment meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, the National Security Council chief, and a regional IDF commander. After the meeting, Netanyahu ordered a security cordon around Hebron and preparations for a complete closure of the West Bank starting Friday. His office stated that he praised the Israeli forces for preventing a larger attack.

In contrast, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli forces fired live ammunition at two young men near the northern entrance of Hebron, close to a military checkpoint. Eyewitnesses told Wafa that the two were injured and fell to the ground, with initial reports suggesting they were killed, though their identities were not immediately known. Wafa added that a large Israeli military force deployed in the area, completely sealing it off and restricting civilian movement.