Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israeli forces were preparing for a large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank, potentially involving the evacuation of residents, searches of residential neighborhoods and the demolition of infrastructure.

Speaking during a visit to Hebron, Netanyahu said the military would apply in urban areas what he described as the offensive model previously implemented in refugee camps.

His remarks followed an attack near Hebron that left five people injured, according to the Israeli account.

Netanyahu also instructed security forces to impose a security cordon around Hebron and prepare for a possible closure of the West Bank.

Israeli forces subsequently announced the establishment of checkpoints and the closure of several Palestinian towns in the area.