In brief
Israeli forces shut all West Bank crossings on election day, barring Palestinian workers from settlements amid a crackdown after an attack that killed two soldiers. The IDF banned entry and exit for workers across Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley, and demolished homes in Hebron, displacing thousands. Netanyahu warned of a “big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority, and local leaders say the operation is driven by campaign politics. Mass protests erupted in Tel Aviv as opposition voices demanded accountability for the failed security response.
All West Bank land crossings will be closed during Tuesday's election in Israel, and Palestinian workers will be barred from entering any settlements.
The restrictions come after Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers in a West Bank checkpoint attack, prompting a sharp crackdown by the Israel Defense Forces.
The IDF announced a ban on the entry and exit of Palestinian workers throughout Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley and industrial zones, and ordered the closure of every land crossing in the territory.
Workers were largely barred from settlements from Sunday, with only industrial zones and select areas left open.
Before the Hamas‑led attack on 7 October 2023, more than 100,000 Palestinian workers entered Israel. Since then, only a small fraction have had their permits restored.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major operation on Friday following the killing of two soldiers and the injury of three others; the gunmen were also killed.
The Israeli military has been demolishing homes and businesses in Hebron, displacing hundreds of families. The Defence Minister said about 2,000 residents had been displaced and that a whole street appeared flattened in footage shared online.
Even before the worker bans, the army cordoned the city, severely limiting the movement of its 200,000 residents.
The demolitions have drawn criticism from Israeli rights groups, who label them a form of collective punishment.
The shooting and subsequent clampdown came just days before the election, heightening tensions across the region.
In an interview with Israel’s i24 television channel, Netanyahu hinted at a “very big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority.
Hebron Mayor Youssef al‑Jaabari said the operation is “driven by the elections” and that Netanyahu and his ministers are aiming to secure votes from the far‑right and settler communities.
On Saturday, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for a large anti‑government demonstration organized by the October Council, a group founded by families of victims from the 7 October 2023 attacks, demanding accountability.
The rally featured leaders of the four main opposition parties, with former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot neck and neck with Netanyahu in the post.
