In brief
The Israel Defense Forces announced that all West Bank land crossings will shut on election day, barring Palestinian workers from entering settlements. The move follows the killing of two Israeli soldiers and a crackdown that has seen hundreds of Palestinian homes in Hebron demolished. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a “big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority, while opposition parties protested in Tel Aviv. With election results due Tuesday, the crackdown underscores the high tensions in the region.
All land crossings into the West Bank are set to shut on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced, blocking Palestinian workers from entering settlements.
The move comes after gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in the occupied territory, triggering a harsh response from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The IDF said the ban covers the whole of Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley, including industrial zones, and will also keep most workers out of settlements from Sunday onward.
Only a few workers have had their permits restored since the Hamas‑led attack on 7 October; more than 100,000 were able to enter before the crackdown.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major operation on Friday, describing it as a response to the killing of the soldiers and noting that the military had begun demolishing homes in Hebron.
According to Defence Minister Israel Katz, about 2,000 residents have been displaced, with sections of the city reportedly flattened, according to footage shared online.
Hebron mayor Youssef al‑Jaabari said the actions were driven by the upcoming election and aimed at securing the far‑right and settler vote.
Meanwhile, opposition parties gathered in Tel Aviv for a protest organized by the October Council, demanding accountability for the failure to stop the Hamas attack.
With election results expected Tuesday, the crackdown highlights the tense environment as Israeli forces continue to demolish homes of suspected attackers and restrict movement of Palestinian residents.
