Israeli hardliners had warned that the route would be used by terrorists to carry out attacks against Israelis.

Despite the shooting, Israel went ahead Sunday with the opening of a section of a major road in Hebron to Palestinian traffic. The opening of a portion of Shuhada Street, which runs past Jewish settlements in Hebron, was called for in a land-for-security agreement signed in September between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Jewish settlers in Hebron, angered by the shooting, protested against the road's opening, saying the move endangered their safety.

Searches were mounted for the gunmen, who fled the scene immediately after the attack.