Israel closes West Bank city after attack; US lobby group halts endorsements

Following a shooting attack that wounded five Israelis near Hebron, Israel has imposed a comprehensive lockdown on the West Bank city, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering a full closure of the entire West Bank starting Friday, October 23, 2026. Israeli forces reported killing two Palestinian gunmen in connection with the incident, which occurred days before a scheduled parliamentary election in Israel. The assailants, identified as two men in their twenties from the Hebron area, allegedly opened fire at a checkpoint after abandoning an attempt to carry out a larger attack.

In the United States, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a prominent pro-Israel lobby group, announced on Wednesday, October 21-22, 2026, that it would cease endorsing candidates and making direct campaign contributions. This strategic shift comes amid increasing backlash against Israel within the U.S., particularly among Democratic voters, and a declining favorability towards Israel in American public opinion.

Despite halting direct endorsements, AIPAC plans to continue its influence in U.S. elections by operating its Super PAC, the United Democracy Project, which can spend unlimited funds on campaign advertising without direct coordination with candidates. The organization also stated it would prioritize mobilizing direct, organized contributions from individual donors to candidates who support the U.S.-Israel alliance.