In brief
Israel has announced the closure of every West Bank border crossing on election day, a move that follows a crackdown triggered by the killing of two Israeli soldiers. The Israel Defense Forces imposed a ban on Palestinian workers entering settlements, a restriction already in place for industrial zones. Hebrew and Palestinian communities alike feel the strain: far‑flung displaced families in Hebron, protests in Tel Aviv and a looming political showdown as Netanyahu’s coalition seeks a right‑wing surge. The decision marks a sharp escalation in the volatile security environment surrounding the upcoming Israeli election.
Israel will shut all West Bank border crossings for the day of its national election, a decision that follows a harsh crackdown sparked by the killing of two Israeli soldiers.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a complete “ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley.” The directive also bars workers from entering settlements, with the exception of a handful of industrial sites.
Before the Hamas‑led attack on 7 October 2023, more than 100,000 Palestinian workers were allowed to work in Israel. After the attack, only a small fraction of those permits were restored, leaving many without livelihoods.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation a major response to an Israeli checkpoint attack that left three soldiers wounded and killed the two attackers. The IDF has since demolished homes and businesses in Hebron, displacing roughly 2,000 residents and flattening at least one street, as footage shows.
Hebron mayor Youssef al‑Jaabari said the raid was driven by “the elections” and that Netanyahu’s cabinet were targeting far‑right voters and settlers for political gain.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, thousands gathered on Saturday to protest the government’s handling of security, organized by the October Council – a group of families of victims and hostages from the 2023 attacks. The Council’s statement on X warned of a “very big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority after this Sunday’s restrictions.
The protests included leaders from Israel’s four main opposition parties, with former army chief Gadi Eisenkot positioned as a close contender for Netanyahu. The election underscores how security decisions and ethnic tensions intertwine in the region’s political fate.
