One Israeli dead in West Bank shooting near home of Knesset Member Itamar Ben Gvir

Far-right lawmaker claims he was targeted; Several Israelis wounded, one killed

This article was updated at 10:52 p.m.

One Israeli was killed and several injured in a shooting in the town of Kiryat Arba where far-right Knesset Member Itamar Ben Gvir lives.

The shooting took place near the lawmaker's home. Ben Gvir – whose party is expected to come in third in Tuesdays' election – said he was targeted. Officials, however, said the shooting does not appeared to have been directed toward Ben Gvir's house, but rather at an army checkpoint.

The head of the Jewish Power party was not home at the time, but his family – who was unharmed – was home.

"My family is currently being secured under a shooting attack on our home in Givat Avot," Ben Gvir wrote on Twitter. "We're listening to the instructions from security forces."

Several Israelis were injured, however, some seriously, according to initial reports.

"The injured civilians were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment," the Israel Defense Forces said.

A security guard shot and killed the terrorist, according to the IDF.

"IDF soldiers are conducting searches in the area after additional suspects," the statement said.

Earlier this month, the firebrand politician had to be restrained by police after brandishing his own gun amid clashes between Arabs and Jews in the flashpoint Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem.

“Don’t look here. If they throw stones, shoot them,” he was heard telling the police on a video posted on social media.

Ben Gvir, who frequently shows up at clashes between Jews and Arabs around the country, is seen by some as an incendiary figure who sparks controversy and violence wherever he goes. He has been labeled "racist" by some opponents.

However, his recent surge in popularity also shows that his nationalistic message resonates with many Israelis who believe the security and sanctity of the Jewish state at risk.

Nicole Jansezian