Security forces are conducting a manhunt in the Hebron area following a shooting attack that left five Israelis wounded, two critically, with two terrorists killed at the scene. Meanwhile, domestic politics continue to heat up ahead of the 2026 elections, with Prime Minister Netanyahu discussing coalition plans and his approach to Iran, and international attention turns to a surprise new candidate for UN Secretary-General.

Security

A shooting attack near the Judea Junction, close to Hebron, left five people wounded, two of them in critical condition, on Friday. Witnesses described a prolonged gun battle lasting around 20 minutes, with medical teams struggling to reach the injured under continuous fire. IDF forces pursued the attackers, who attempted to flee, and killed both terrorists following a short chase. The military said a large quantity of ammunition was found in the attackers' vehicle, indicating a more serious attack had been prevented. The IDF Chief of Staff confirmed troops had imposed a closure on surrounding villages and launched a manhunt for any additional suspects. Three of the wounded were taken to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah Ein Kerem hospitals in Jerusalem, with Magen David Adom and IDF medical teams treating casualties at the scene.

Politics

In an interview, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he intends to seek five further terms in office and reaffirmed his commitment to 'finishing the job' against Iran, saying Israel must capitalise on US President Trump's support before the political tide shifts in Washington. He said he would form a government with his current coalition partners after former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot ruled out joining him. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to 'stand with him' rather than pursue a coalition with Eisenkot, intensifying debate over the shape of the next government. Separately, reports suggested that Netanyahu's public campaign against commentator Yaakov Winter stems from anger over advice Winter gave to the father of Eli Feldstein, a former army officer under Winter's command, warning him against hiring the prime minister's personal lawyer.

International

The United Arab Emirates has nominated veteran diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who is of Palestinian-Jerusalemite heritage and fluent in Hebrew, as its candidate to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN Secretary-General, potentially breaking a deadlock after six inconclusive rounds of Security Council voting. Nusseibeh, who holds a master's degree in Israel and Jewish diaspora studies, has publicly opposed annexation and would become the first woman and first person of Palestinian heritage to hold the post if confirmed, with reports suggesting she may be better placed to secure US support than previous contenders. In France, authorities are bracing for a second day of unrest after President Macron met with student protest representatives in an effort to prevent further violence; businesses in Paris have stocked up on pepper spray and police have been clearing streets of flammable objects, while Lyon and Marseille have banned public gatherings. Separately, a tanker carrying roughly 40,000 tonnes of Russian diesel is reportedly bound for New York, following an agreement between President Trump and President Putin under which Moscow agreed to lift its export ban and resume supplying global markets.

Other Developments

Israel is moving to deport 11 foreign activists accused of taking part in uncoordinated olive harvest activities in the West Bank, amid continued concern over violence and theft during the harvest season, which editorials have called on religious and political leaders to explicitly condemn. Ahead of the 2026 elections, political parties are unveiling competing healthcare plans, including proposals to bring back Israeli doctors from abroad, reduce waiting times, and expand services in the north and south, though their underlying approaches differ significantly. In Tel Aviv and Jaffa, residents report a worsening crisis of homelessness and open drug use, with some describing conditions reminiscent of New York after the pandemic. Police announced the arrest of an Israeli fugitive in Bolivia on suspicion of involvement in smuggling 5.3 kilograms of cocaine into Israel in 2017, following a joint intelligence operation with local authorities. Separately, singer Shlomo Artzi performed for the first time since 7 October near the Gaza border, drawing around 5,000 attendees in an emotional evening for residents of the western Negev communities.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post