Israel to close West Bank crossings on election day
Israel's military will close all West Bank land crossings on Tuesday for election day, barring Palestinian workers amid heightened security operations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Israel's military will close all land crossings in the West Bank during Tuesday's general election.
- Palestinian workers are barred from entering all settlements and industrial zones amid a major crackdown.
- Military operations in Hebron have displaced approximately 2,000 residents and destroyed buildings.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense political pressure and anti-government protests ahead of the vote.
The Israel Defense Forces announced that all land crossings in the West Bank will be shut down on Tuesday, coinciding with the country's national election. Alongside the border closures, Palestinian workers will face strict prohibitions preventing them from entering any Israeli settlements as security measures are heavily intensified.
These restrictions form part of a broader crackdown across the occupied West Bank, launched in direct response to an attack by Palestinian gunmen that killed two Israeli soldiers. The military confirmed a complete ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, encompassing local industrial zones.
Authorities stated that most workers would also be restricted from entering settlements starting Sunday, with limited exceptions granted only for specific industrial areas. Prior to the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, more than 100,000 Palestinian workers held permits to enter Israel, though only a fraction have since regained access.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major military operation on Friday following the checkpoint shooting that claimed the lives of two soldiers and left three others wounded, while the two attackers were killed at the scene.
The convergence of military operations and national elections in Israel highlights the deeply intertwined nature of domestic politics and security policy. Critics and opposition leaders frequently scrutinize the timing of such heavy-ืนhanded measures, suggesting they serve political incentives to rally right-wing and settler constituencies during fierce electoral contests.
Israeli forces have demolished homes and business properties in Hebron, leaving hundreds of families displaced. According to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, about 2,000 residents have been displaced by the operation, with online footage revealing entire streets completely flattened by the military demolition work.
Even prior to the formal announcement of worker entry bans, the military had cordoned off Hebron, severely restricting the movement of its 200,000 residents. The practice of demolishing homes belonging to suspected attackers is a long-standing military tactic, though local and international human rights groups consistently condemn it as unlawful collective punishment.
"Three days before the election, we will hold the culminating event marking three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability, and establish a state commission of inquiry."
October Council
Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari asserted that the military operation was driven by electoral motives, accusing Netanyahu and his ministers of attempting to secure votes from the far-right and settler factions. Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for a massive anti-government protest organized by the October Council, demanding accountability for security failures.
Source: BBC World
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