Israeli and Palestinian killed as Netanyahu orders expanded West Bank operations

An Israeli man was killed in a shooting near the Neve Tzuf settlement, northwest of Ramallah, on Sunday, while Israeli soldiers also killed a Palestinian man near Jenin in a separate incident, according to Israeli authorities. The incidents were followed by expanded military operations and arrests across parts of the West Bank.

The Israeli man, aged about 30, was shot while Israelis were gathered near a spring close to Neve Tzuf, according to Israeli police and the military. Medics took him to hospital with critical gunshot wounds, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspected Palestinian gunman fled the scene and was later arrested at a hospital in Ramallah, Israeli authorities said. Arab48, citing Israeli reports and military statements, said the man had been wounded during the pursuit before reaching the hospital.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli army and Shin Bet to reinforce forces in the West Bank, impose closures, carry out arrests and offensive operations, and move towards demolishing the suspect's home, according to Israeli reports.

In a separate incident near Jenin, the Israeli military said its troops killed a Palestinian driver who it alleged had attempted to ram soldiers near the Ganim settlement. No Israeli soldiers were injured, according to the military. Reuters said it could not independently verify the military's account.

Palestinian sources separately reported that Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian vehicle near the Haddad Tourist Village, east of Jenin. The Palestinian Red Crescent said its crews were prevented from reaching the scene. Early reports from the Palestinian side did not provide a confirmed account of the casualties, while later reports cited by Arab48 said a Palestinian was killed and another was detained.

The incidents came as Israeli forces tightened movement restrictions around Ramallah and carried out searches and arrests in nearby communities. Israeli forces also increased their presence around the area of the shooting, with road closures and additional troops deployed during the search for the attacker.

The two fatal incidents were not immediately established to be connected. The violence occurred on the eve of Yom Kippur, one of the most significant Jewish religious holidays.