Israeli Military Investigates Foreign Photographer After West Bank Shooting

Israeli authorities are investigating a foreign photographer who documented a shooting incident near Hebron on Friday, according to Israeli Channel 12. The military is examining whether the photographer had prior knowledge of the attackers' intentions. The incident, which occurred Friday morning, resulted in five injuries, two of them serious, while the two assailants were killed by Israeli forces at the scene. The professional photographer's footage of the attack prompted the military's inquiry, though no evidence has yet emerged to confirm the photographer's prior awareness of the planned assault. Israeli soldiers reportedly observed a vehicle approaching their position, from which two individuals emerged and opened fire, leading to a firefight. Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security assessment meeting with the Minister of Defense, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, the National Security Advisor, and a regional IDF commander. Netanyahu subsequently ordered a security cordon around Hebron and preparations for a comprehensive closure of the West Bank starting Friday. 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. WAFA added that a large Israeli military force deployed in the area, completely sealing it off and restricting civilian movement.