In brief
Ahead of Israel’s national election, the Israeli military has ordered a sweeping crackdown in the West Bank, shutting all land crossings and banning the entry and exit of Palestinian workers. The move follows the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen at a checkpoint near Hebron. In the city, Israeli forces have demolished homes, displacing around 2,000 residents and leading to widespread protests in Tel Aviv. The crackdown coincides with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s promise of a “big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority and a heightened focus on security amid the election campaign.
Israel has closed every West Bank land crossing on the day of its national election, a move the military says is aimed at tightening security after two soldiers were killed in a shooting attack near Hebron.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced a ban on the entrance and exit of Palestinian workers in all of Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley, including industrial zones, effective Sunday. The IDF will enforce a full closure of land crossings on Tuesday, the election day.
The restriction comes as Israeli forces have begun demolishing houses in Hebron, a municipal tactic used on those suspected of involvement in attacks. Around 2,000 residents are reported displaced, with footage circulated online showing an entire street flattened.
Before the ban took effect, the IDF had cordoned off Hebron, severely limiting movement for its 200,000 inhabitants and preventing workers from entering many settlements.
The crackdown follows the Hamas‑led October 7 attack, after which fewer than a handful of the 100,000 Palestinian workers who previously entered Israel were granted new permits.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement, said the operation was driven by the upcoming election and aimed at securing votes from far‑right settlers. Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for an anti‑government rally organised by the October Council, demanding accountability for the failure to prevent the Islamist attack.
Image source: Reuters.
