Five Israelis were reportedly wounded, including two seriously, in a deadly shooting attack near Judea Junction, close to Hebron, early Friday morning.

According to Israeli journalist Hallel Bitton Rosen, two terrorists reportedly affiliated with Hamas in Hebron arrived in a stolen vehicle displaying Israeli license plates.

Israeli security officials believe the attackers had intended to carry out a major terrorist attack against civilians deeper inside Israeli-controlled territory but unexpectedly encountered a temporary military checkpoint.

The gunmen exited their vehicle and opened fire on soldiers from the Home Front Command’s Ari Battalion, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that reportedly lasted approximately 20 minutes.

Paratroopers from the IDF’s 101st Battalion, led by the battalion’s deputy commander, arrived and joined Home Front Command soldiers and civilian security personnel in confronting the attackers. Both terrorists were eliminated.

A substantial quantity of ammunition was reportedly discovered inside the terrorists’ vehicle, in addition to magazines carried with their weapons. The attackers were reportedly armed with M4-style rifles and a handgun.

The latest reported casualty count stands at five wounded, including two seriously and three with injuries ranging from light to moderate.

Israeli security officials believe the temporary checkpoint may have prevented a significantly larger terrorist attack targeting civilians. The Ari Battalion soldiers were reportedly conducting their first operational deployment.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly instructed the IDF chief of staff to impose a security cordon around Hebron and restrictions across Judea and Samaria, potentially lasting until after Israel’s upcoming elections.

Security forces also launched additional searches in the area amid concerns about possible further involvement.